Goatfell in the sun

Well, my latest hill day was an absolute cracker!
I prepared well the night before, and made it to the station on time, all packed with lunch and having had a nice breakfast. I failed to clear the next hurdle though, and got on the wrong train!
I was not dissuaded though, and decided that I'd just hop on the next one, even though I'd have to wait 3 hours for the ferry.
This was time well spent, as I had a natter with a nice chap in Ardrossan who had some great hill stories.
The ferry trip seemed to fly by, as I watched the island draw ever closer, eventually I was able to get a photograph of the Goatfell range. The guy on the observation deck had binoculars so I chatted with him about how I needed to get myself a pair of them to go up the hills with. He recommended I catch the bus from the terminal, to Cladach, to give myself a head start.
Hopping on the bus, I made it to the start of the path and bought a post card to send to a few friends in other countries, then headed up towards the hill.
The forest walk was very nice, with the trees providing nice shade from the hot sun, and allowing me to warm up the walking legs. I passed a monk coming the other way and we greeted each other and kept going. It reminded me to not rush the trip too much, and enjoy the scenery.
I'm glad I did this, as once I cleared the tree line, I came across an adder, which wasn't too happy at being spotted, and hid in the heather before I could photograph it.
I took the chance to look back over Brodick bay, and appreciate the height I'd gained, so I checked the map and was pleasantly surprised how much progress I'd made!
The final leg along the ridge was enjoyable with big boulders to scramble around if I didn't fancy the path, and after not too long the summit appeared, with its very own resident seagull!
I stayed a while and soaked up the amazing scenery, there's a few ridge walks that I'd like to revisit, so I think I need to add Arran to the "revisit again and again" book!
Rather than go back by the path, I decided to explore the south ridge, and found a nice route down, though I am sure I wouldn't have liked it on a wetter day! I soon got back on to the main path back and enjoyed the forest for a second time.
13km total distance, 4 hours (including 30 mins at summit)
5.5km to summit with 850m ascent, in 90 mins
7.5km back to pier, in 120 mins

Going by these times, I've still a lot of work to do if I want to beat my previous times! The walking bit of the cross is 30km and I need to make that in 5 hours!

Somehow though I feel fitter this year for it than last time, so we'll see on the day!