Brodick to Sannox via Goat Fell

Summary

The first stage of the Arran Coastal Way crosses Brodick Bay before leaving the coast to ascend the island's highest mountain - Goatfell. It then descends to the attractive village of Corrie before continuing round the coastal road to Sannox.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.33333/5

Rating

Terrain

Clear paths, rough hill paths including very rocky section near summit. Final section along road.

Public Transport

Brodick is the terminal for ferries from Ardrossan on the mainland, and the hub for the island's buses. Sannox is linked to Brodick by bus.

Start

Brodick ferry terminal. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 853m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS021358

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Goatfell

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

Stage 1

From the ferry terminal, turn right along the main road in Brodick, passing along the seafront (there's a map board for the start and finish Arran Coastal Way at the start of the seafront). Continue right along the front until you reach the white Co-op supermarket building (not to be confused with the other Co-op opposite the ferry terminal). Turn right and walk along the side of the Co-op into the car park, talking the path between the children's playground and the shore. It gives stunning views across Brodick Bay to the castle and Goatfell towering beyond.

Stage 2

Cross a footbridge over the Glencloy Water and skirt an area of salt marsh before crossing a corner of the golf course. On the far side turn sharp right to follow the river downstream. The gorse-lined path leads alongside the golf course for a short distance before offering access to Brodick's north beach. Continue north along the golf course (being aware of wayward golf balls) or the fine sandy beach, to reach the third footbridge across Cnocan Water. Cross this and follow the path up to a car park and the main road.

Stage 3

Cross the A841 and take the track opposite to pass to the right of the Wineport Bistro. Curve behind the bistro to pass an outdoor shop and the Arran Brewery. Take the main Goatfell path in the far corner and follow this as it ascends up into the woodland. Ignore paths branching off either side, and go straight across at a tarmac road. Ignore more branch paths until eventually the main path curves sharply right (the 'Charcoal ride'); at this point carry straight on along a narrower path for Goatfell. At the next junction - with Balmoral Ride - there is the option to avoid the Goatfell ascent and take the low level route to Sannox instead - recommended if you lack hillwalking experience or the weather is poor.

Stage 4

The path leaves the forest to continue up through more open birch woodland, giving the first glimpses of Goatfell in the distance. Further on the trees are left behind completely as the path climbs across heather moorland accompanied by the various tributaries of Cnocan Burn. The views back are superb, with Holy Island prominent beyond Brodick.

Stage 5

Soon the path meets a wider one coming up from the Castle; turn left onto this, crossing a footbridge over the Mill Burn. Further on the path leads through a gate in a deer fence. The path becomes a little rougher as it aims for the eastern shoulder of Goatfell, above Meall Breac. Here, at a small cairn, it meets another, fainter, path coming up from Corrie. Take a note of this spot as the path to Corrie is the one you will take once you have descended from the detour to the summit of Goat Fell.

Stage 6

Bear left (WNW) to begin the final ascent. This is the steepest part of the walk, and the summit looks deceptively close; the path becomes much rougher as it climbs up, between and over the granite boulders. Perseverance is rewarded with spectacular views, espescially over the surrounding ridges and peaks.

Stage 7

The summit views are simply stunning - a great reward for the ascent, and the great granite ridges of the other Arran peaks look very dramatic. The vista extends across the Clyde estuary and even to Ireland on a clear day. To continue your walk, retrace your steps back down the final steep section of the ascent to the shoulder. Here leave the main path, keeping ahead along the shoulder on a rougher path.

Stage 8

Further down the path descends to the left to eventually reach the Corrie Burn. Cross this on stones (tricky in spate) to meet another path on the far side; turn right to follow this downhill. The descent steepens for a time and there are views to some fine waterslides over to the right. Pass through two gates to eventually meet a track; continue the descent down this. After a waterworks it becomes surfaced - keep ahead down to the main road.

Stage 9

Turn left along the main road for the remainder of the day's stage. Though care is needed, traffic is reasonably light and there is much to see (look out for the carved seal); the road passes into Corrie village, passing the tiny harbour and many attractive cottages. Further on it passes the bunkhouse and hotel, and another tiny harbour, before continuing to Sannox. The stage ends here, with views across the bay.

Next stage: Sannox to Lochranza

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