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Goatfell on a windy day.......

There is a definite common theme to the walks so far this year.......... buffeting winds.  As the weekend approached MWIS did forecast blustery conditions, windchill of up to -10C and beware sunburn!!!  Even the ferry was warning us the wind might cause disruption to services.  But that didn't stop Carol, Frank, John, Steve and Susan from wanting to get out.

Rendezvous was the 7am ferry except John had underestimated his timings, so he'd be on the 820am. He'd catch us up somehow later.  As tradition dictates, breakfast on the ferry was consumed by some and discussion ensued on the route.

Default route from Corrie is to go via the Corie Lan path, however......... we had been eyeing up going via Am Binnein.  Harvey's map suggested there is an intermittent path via an old quarry and forest from High Corrie.  It also looked like there was a good forest break from the usual path to follow to the base of the ridge onto Am Binnein.  As we got off the bus we still hadn't decided what we were doing as we headed up the path.
Am Binnein looking down on us as we start off up the path
The wind really was brutally cold but we had sunshine 😎 As we got to High Corrie we decided to just keep going.  The break in the forest wasn't a goer as the fence wasn't one that was easy to get over.  Once through the second gate there was much staring at the terrain and discussions on potential approaches for getting onto Am Binnein.  Steve, Frank and Susan decided to be the "Dora the Explorer" section of Craggy while Carol and I continued along the usual route.
Dora the Explorers heading over to Am Binnein

The Stacah Ridge
With a few "leg stretching" moments the Explorer section made their way over rough ground, heathery rakes and granite slabs to reach the summit of Am Binnein. 
Susan negotiating some of the big slabs

Looking back down the ascent route

Susan & Steve on summit of Am Binnein
 We were all soon reunited on North Goatfell where the wind was still blowing a hoolie.  We eventually managed to find a sheltered spot to grab some food and drink in the views.

Heading along the Stacah bypass path


Lunch with a view from the Stacah Ridge
For once when we got to the summit of Goatfell, there were very few folk on top and even better, the wind wasn't as bad.
Carol, Frank, Steve and Susan on Goatfell summit
Well the route down was like Sauchiehall Street but it was good to see so many folk making the most of the good weather.  Again, tradition dictates the Wine Port can not be passed without seeking sustenance.  It was great being able to enjoy the sunshine in relative shelter.

John had his own adventure as the 820am ferry was late after having trouble berthing.  So he went for a wander round Lamlash and eventually met up with us on the ferry home. 

Don't know about the others but because we didn't heed the advise of MWIS to remember our suncreen, Steve and I both have wee red noses this morning 😎 


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