Arran, known as Scotland in minature, has one of the finest mountain ranges in Scotland. The range is a spectacular array of jagged granite peaks and the highest of all is Goatfell. At 874 metres (2,866 ft), it is one of four Corbetts on the island.
“To know any hill well is indeed a privilege, but to become on intimate terms with a mountain group such as that of Arran, is something that adds much to a man‘s life.” William Douglas, 1892.
In that spirit, I’ve had an ambition to do a solo summit camp on Goatfell for a while now.
I’m on holiday on Arran in July this year. The weather is perfect. I set off around 5pm. Pack is around 13kg. That includes camera gear and 2 litres of water. I stop half way up to collect another 2 litres from the burn running off the mountain.
The views at the arrival on the summit are breathtaking. I arrive with two hours to spare before sunset. Enough time to set up the tent then relax and take it all in before having a well earned mountain meal.
I have the whole place to myself.
In the foreground there is Beinn Tarsuinn, A’Chir Ridge leading to the pyramid peak of Cir Mhor and then Caisteal Abhail. Behind that we have Beinn Bhreac, then the Kintyre peninsula and finally, the sun setting behind the Paps of Jura.
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The sun is now down below the horizon. Looking north, I can see rare summer noctilucent clouds with the villages of Lochgilphead and Tighnabruaich below.
To the South, the Milky way is out. I set up the camera for startrails/timelapse and then head of to my tent for a few hours sleep.
It isn’t dark for long at this time of year so it’s a short timelapse of the night sky. To watch in HD, click the vimeo link.
The alarm is set for 4:30am to take in the morning twilight before the sunrise. It’s probably one of the only occasions an alarm that early is acceptable.
The light is incredible.
The sun begins to rise behind the mainland and the islands of Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae and Bute are silhouetted as the sun shines on the Firth of Clyde.
It’s time for Coffee then Porridge. Then more Coffee.
I enjoy the vista as the sun starts to kiss the peaks.
As I begin to pack up a cloud inversion forms.
As the sun rises, the cloud inversion rolls up the glen from Corrie, spilling over the North Goatfell ridge down into Glen Rosa.
Time to break camp and head down.
As I start the descent, I could not believe my eyes as two stags stand majestic. This just topped off one of the greatest experiences of my life.
© 2026 Stewart Barr
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