Yes, Grimm's Grotto is notorious for unwinnable starting positions. So you should always prep something (better yet, multiple things) to deal with getting blocked in... JJ, Transmutation scroll, Slayer Wand, Binlor.
The L9 goat is definitely the correct choice... the NW path that's blocked by three monsters is short and blocked by monsters on the other side.
Elven Bloodmage prepped with MA and BURNDAYRAZ is a dream combo once you break out of the start.