High Isles - Arran Multi-Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Please note that the above coordinates are not for the actual cache site.
This is one of the harder caches in the High Isles series, as it requires the geocacher to climb Goat Fell, the highest point on Arran. At 874 metres, this should take you no longer than 4-5 hours return by the shortest route from Corrie. Once at the top, the cache can be found quite easily and quickly.
This cache belongs to a new series started recently by the Mugdock Mudpies (a family of four from Glasgow) that has plans to put caches on the highest points on various islands in Scotland. On some islands the cache could be relatively simple, Barra for example, but a cache on the highest point of Skye would be a little more interesting!!
The island of Arran is located in the Firth of Clyde, a mere 45 minutes ferry ride from the coastal town of Ardrossan. The whole island is roughly 20 miles long, making it the seventh largest island in Scotland, and can be accessed at any time of the year. Information on ferries can be found at: (visit link)
One of the most notable features about Arran is that you can leave your car at home, and use the very efficient public transport system. Trains from Glasgow central take just over an hour and leave more or less every 15 minutes. Or leave your car at the Ardrossan terminal, as once on Arran, there is a very efficient bus system, meaning that a car would be virtually redundant. To follow any of the routes suggested below, the best bus would be the number 324, but more information can be found at: (visit link)
All buses meet the ferry. A day trip is very conceivable, and this does not require taking the 7am ferry, though the cooked breakfast on the boat is ample reward for those braving this early start!
There are four main ways up Goat Fell, and all can be accessed from the number 324 bus. The first route, using the bus, drops you off at the start of Glen Rosa. Then follow the delightful path to the top of Glen Rosa to the Saddle. A somewhat loose route follows the ridge to North Goatfell and then on to the main summit. Granite pinnacles en route make for enjoyable scrambling, but can be by-passed. Perhaps return via the “tourist route” below.
The second route is the most popular, the “tourist route”, which starts just short of the Castle and makes an easy if rather dull way up the mountain. Views are more restricted and we prefer to use it as a descent route to finish at the Castle tea-room, the best in Scotland when the sun is shining, and tea and scones can be taken on the terrace!!
The third route goes straight up from Corrie, steep but a very well constructed path and quick.
Lastly our favourite but most challenging route is the bus to Glen Sannox, up the dramatically steep nose of Cioch na h-Oighe (some scrambling and make sure you find the traversing path) then along the ridge.
The above coordinates will take you to the top of Goat Fell, where you will find a trig point and a concrete viewfinder. Use this to do the following:
A= Find the distance from Goat Fell to Crogan (look on a bearing of 350°) in miles.
B= Find the height of the 2nd highest Pap on Jura (in feet) and add together the last 2 digits.
C= Find the distance from Goat Fell to Beinn Beulla (on a bearing of 12°) in miles.
Take the coordinates in the hddd°mm.mmm’ format and add [C/3] to the Northings and [2A+B] to the Westings. With these new coordinates, you will be able to find the location of the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx sbe erqqvfu boybat obhyqre, 3z k 1.5z k 0.75z.