6 hours to the minute - from 1020 until 1620. From sea level to 874m. From reasonably comfortable to absolutely shattered and sweat soaked. But we did it, made it all the way to the top and back without mountain rescue and under our own power!
After our hearty cooked breakfast (another reason to stay in a hotel - cooked breakfast) we set off into Brodick to get some lunch materials and then off to start the climb.
The climb is basically in 3 parts. The first is a woodland walk of about 3km from the car park at sea level up to about 300m, basically the level of the ridge in the picture on yesterday's post. It ends with a the path crossing a small burn and a deer gate. The second part is about 2km over open moorland with a lot of scattered granite. This bit climbs from 300m to about 650m with the peak on your left the entire time. The path ends on the ridge over the Corrie route with a very steep drop back down to the valley floor.
The final bit is a scramble up to the top. 200m pretty much straight up.
We started off easy enough, the forest walk is one that we have done a number of times now. This time both of us had rucksacks and its the first time I have ever seen Ciaran sweating as it was warm while still being somewhat overcast. We took a welcome break in the burn at the top and refreshed headed onto the moorland path. This bit is also pretty easy but being so open it drains the life from you as you can see how much you have done and how much more you have left.
Finally, we got to the ridge and the start of the final ascent. By now I was pretty tired, but Ciaran had gotten his second wind adn went bounding on ahead. He is sitting at where we had to give up last year. We didn't know it at the time but its about another 40 minutes from where he is.
It was hard work those last 200m, but the view from the top, looking northwest is pretty amazing!
We made it to the top in about 3 hours (based on the timestamp on the photos) and stayed on the peak for about 40 minutes just taking in the amazing view. Sadly it was quite misty, you could hardly see Brodick but on a clear day you can see Ireland. Ciaran was well chuffed that he was above the clouds.
Now for the descent and the walk back to the car. Watch that first step, its a killer. We let the peak at about 1400. In the picture you can see the path crossing from left to right, part 2, but we still have to get down to it. The climb up was hard on the knees, but the climb down is a killer on the ankles and heels.You are tired and that old bugger Gravity keeps grabbing you by the shoulders and pushing.
Although the climb was tiring you had the excitement of "getting to the top". The walk back is the anti-climax. Plus you can see where you have to go. By the time we got to the bottom of the steep descent we could see the path back to the burn stretching across and away from us witht he tree line marking the end of the moorland and the start of the final walk down the mountain.
By 1620 we were back at the car and headed straight back to the hotel. Once we got there we changed into our swimming gear and headed to the pool for a few hours just being restful (and pampering with the footbaths). After dinner we headed back to the pool for more resting before bed.
Two tired but happy little hikers.
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