Goatfell, from Brodick Castle

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Summary

A fine pyramidal peak and a magnificent viewpoint, Goatfell is the highest of the mountains on Arran and the culminating point of some dramatic granite ridges. This is the most popular and straightforward route of ascent.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good footpaths for most of the route; the final section weaves steeply up through granite boulders to the summit.

Public Transport

Bus to Cladach Centre.

Start

Cladach Visitor Centre. 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: 10.5km / 6.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 874m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS012376

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Goatfell

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Walk Description

User reports (33)

Stage 1

This route begins from the Cladach Centre 1.5km north of Brodick; there is a car parking area on the SE side of the A841 opposite the pink Wineport Bistro, and also a bus stop. To reach the start from Brodick on foot, use the Fisherman's walk from the seafront. Begin the walk up the track to the right of the Bistro, curving behind it 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.

Stage 2

Ignore two paths branching off the main path, one to the right and then one to the left, and continue on the path when it curves right with brief open views into lower Glen Rosa. Go straight across at a tarmac road, and ignore the next minor path that crosses the main path, and the subsequent paths joining from the left and right. Eventually the main path curves sharply right (the 'Charcoal ride'); at this point carry straight on along a narrower path.

Stage 3

The path leaves the forest to continue up through more open birch woodland, giving 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 4

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.

Stage 5

The path becomes a little rougher as it aims for the eastern shoulder of Goatfell, above Meall Breac. Here it meets another, fainter, path coming up from Corrie.

Stage 6

Turn left 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.

Stage 8

Continuing northwards from Goatfell the ridge becomes very rugged and much more demanding with some scrambling, suitable for more experienced hillwalkers only. Other visitors should return by retracing your steps - enjoying the panoramic views over Brodick Bay - or head back down the first section before taking the descent path used Corrie route, returning to the start point via the regular bus service.

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