Goat Fell
874 m
United Kingdom
Also known as Гоатфел, Γκόατ Φελλ, +3Also known as
Гоатфел · Γκόατ Φελλ · Gaoitbheinn · Гоутфелл · Goatfell
- Elevation
- 874 m
- Prominence
- 874 m
- Difficulty
- 2/10
- Hike
- Best Season
- May–Sep
- Routes
- 2
WorksReported 28 Nov 2025
The Arran Banner reported on 28 November 2025 that major works were under way by Arran Footpaths and Forestry to improve the main Goatfell path up to the deer fence and the NTS boundary, and the approach path at High Corrie. No closures or completion date were given.
westcoasttoday.co.uk
Routes
2The main 'tourist' path, maintained by the National Trust for Scotland: from the Cladach centre north of Brodick through the castle woodlands and over heather moorland to the shoulder above Meall Breac, then a steep, rough final climb up granite steps and boulders to the viewpoint indicator on the summit. 10.5 km return, about 875 m of ascent, 4.5–6 hours.
Elevation Profile
- Distance
- 5.5 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +867 m
- start → summit
- High Point
- 874 m
- Time Up
- 3h 34m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 2h 25m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Start at the Cladach centre 1.5 km north of Brodick, where there is parking on the south-east side of the A841 opposite the Wineport and a bus stop; on foot from Brodick, use the Fisherman's Walk along the bay. Take the track to the right of the Wineport, behind the outdoor shop and the Arran Brewery, and the main Goatfell path in the far corner into the woods. Ignore side paths, cross the castle drive and, where the main path curves sharply right (the 'Charcoal ride'), carry straight on along a narrower path. The path leaves the forest at about 300 m and climbs across heather moorland beside the tributaries of the Cnocan Burn, with Holy Island behind. Turn left where a wider path comes up from the castle, cross a footbridge over the Mill Burn and go through a gate in the deer fence. The path roughens towards the eastern shoulder above Meall Breac, where a fainter path from Corrie joins at a cairn: note it for the descent. Turn left for the final ascent, the steepest part of the walk, climbing between and over granite boulders and big rocky steps to the summit, which can be very windy. Return the same way, or descend towards Corrie and return by bus. The ridge continuing north is much more rugged, with scrambling, and is for experienced hillwalkers only.
Start
Cladach7 m
- Ferry from Ardrossan (or Troon) to Brodick, then bus to the Cladach centre, or walk the Fisherman's Walk from Brodick (about 1.5 km).
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cladach → Goat Fell | 5.5 | 867 | 0 | 3h 34m |
Waypoints
- Parking: Cladach7 m
Grid reference NS012376; bus stop
- Summit: Goat Fell874 m
Key Passages
- Leaving the 'Charcoal ride' for the narrower path
- Meall Breac junction cairn
- Final granite boulder steps to the summit
Equipment
0/4 packedDownloads
Route confidence 85%Overview
The highest point of the Isle of Arran (874 m), a granite pyramid above Brodick owned by the National Trust for Scotland. A well-built path climbs it in 4.5–6 hours from Cladach, with a steep, bouldery finish and views across the Firth of Clyde to Ireland.
Goat Fell (Gaoitbheinn) rises behind Brodick Castle at the south-east end of Arran's northern granite mountains, the 'Scotland in miniature' island in the Firth of Clyde. It is one of four Corbetts on the island and the culminating point of a set of rugged granite ridges: north to North Goatfell, where ridges radiate towards Cìoch na h-Òighe and over The Saddle to Cìr Mhòr. The National Trust for Scotland owns the mountain with Brodick Castle and maintains the main path.
Most people climb it from Cladach north of Brodick: about 10.5 km and 830–875 m of ascent, 4.5–6 hours return, through castle woodland and over moorland on a constructed path, finishing with a steep clamber over granite blocks. A quieter, rockier circuit from Corrie takes in North Goatfell and the north ridge, with avoidable scrambling.
The summit has a viewpoint indicator; on a clear day the view reaches across the Clyde estuary and to Northern Ireland, and the jagged ridges of the other Arran peaks look dramatic from here.
Climbing Notes
A strenuous summer hill walk on the Cladach path: allow 4.5–6 hours, wear boots, and carry waterproofs and warm layers, as the summit is exposed to wind. Note the junction cairn on the Meall Breac shoulder so you take the right path down. In winter or bad weather it is a serious undertaking, with ice axe, crampons and navigation skills needed. The Corrie circuit and the north ridge involve steep, rocky ground and optional scrambling and suit experienced hillwalkers. Ferries from the mainland and the island bus make a car-free day easy.
History
In 1889 the English tourist Edwin Rose was murdered on the mountain by John Watson Laurie, whose death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. The National Trust for Scotland has stabilised and widened the main path over the last decade to combat erosion; in late 2025 Arran Footpaths and Forestry carried out major upgrades to the lower main path and the High Corrie approach.
Season
Best May–Sep- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Best (best window)
- June: Best (best window)
- July: Best (best window)
- August: Best (best window)
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Good
- November: Possible
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Winter conditions possible; short days
- Feb
- Winter conditions possible
- Mar
- Lengthening days; occasional late snow
- Jun
- Long days; busy
- Jul
- Busiest month; midges in the woods
- Aug
- Busy
- Oct
- Shorter days; wetter
- Nov
- Short days; wet and windy
- Dec
- Short days; winter conditions possible
Access & Permits
- Rules
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies
- National Trust for Scotland property, open all year; no deer-stalking restrictions
- Getting There
Brodick
Glasgow Prestwick (PIK); Glasgow (GLA)
- Ferry: CalMac from Ardrossan to Brodick (Troon at times)
- Bus: island service along the A841 to the Cladach centre and to Corrie
- Car: Cladach car park (main path), Brodick Castle car park, or limited parking at the Glen Rosa campsite
Hazards
- Weather
- Exposure