Goatfell
Goatfell things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Hiked 08-01-2024, set off at 10:20 and returned 14:50. What an amazing trail! We parked at Arran Brewery where there was plenty of parking (this time of year), the trail starts around the back of the brewery and is well signposted. There are a few other points to start from, like to the southeast at the castle’s NT car park or to the east off the A841. Climbing up through lush forested hills where the paths twist and turn, it opens up to moorlands with amazing views. The views even from this point are stunning. Further up, it becomes more rugged and the granite stones become bigger. The last 40-45 minutes of the incline becomes steep. This time of year, it is quite icy for this last section and it can be very slippery where the trail has been well trodden. Unfortunately, up on the summit we had no views as it was covered in thick grey cloud. The wind was not strong, but it was very chilly on the face. If the wind is strong down in Brodick, then it is likely to be very windy up at the summit. So, it is essential to keep check of the weather conditions. Overall, the path is well signposted, easy to follow, not too muddy in the forested areas, and fairly easy to walk. We will definitely be coming back again soon to grab those views from the summit!
Our Road To NowhereOur Road To Nowhere
110
Amazing but challenging mountain to climb. Our family of 4 (with 2 teenagers) attempted an assent today (13th Feb). It was a clear sunny day with a little wind at sea level. We started from the car park at the Arran Distillery at 10am. The mountain top was covered in snow and posts suggested crampons & snow picks ⛏️ in the winter months. We had neither. The trek is 20% woodland 🌲walk from the car park then 80% rough path with rocks, boulders 🪨 so you need to be reasonably fit. We had two short breaks and a 20 min lunch. It took us 5 hours in total and we walked 16km. Unfortunately the snow was too thick and treacherous so we only managed 90% up when we took the decision to turn around. It was in touching distance. ☹️ An experienced climber with crampons on managed the peak and said we had made the right decision like a few others who turned around. We live to fight another day 😁. Some other advice: it's windier 🌬️ and colder 🥶 (1 °C less per 100m climbed from sea level) so please be prepared. We look forward to returning to Arran in the Spring / Summer to try again. 😎 See pictures of the stunning views.
Ewan WalkerEwan Walker
70
What a journey and good climb. Until you get to the rocky part towards to the top, it's actually not bad. Bit hilly and a few high steps but paths are easy to follow for most parts. Stunning views. Don't need to be super fit to tackle it. Time depends - took me 5 hours to get to top but I stopped alot to take photos and enjoy the views. Be careful near top tho - rocks get big, path splits into a bout 50 different ways to get to summit. Weather changes fast - warm and sunny to rain to so much fog you can't see 5 feet Infront of you every like 10mins. Obviously no lights so take torches, food and water just incase. I broke my ankle coming down and waited and 1hour and half for search and rescue so ensure you have a good battery in phone and take whistles. Also suffered from hyperthermia waiting on rescue and that's with 3 thick layers on. Might not be a Monro but care and preparation should be taken.
Andrew MulliganAndrew Mulligan
60
Stunning views from the top. It works out just over 8 miles round trip from the wine port pub car park just outside of Brodick. We did it with our 6 year old and 4 year old (he was in a backpack most of the way, and that is no easy feat to carry a 4 year old up). Our 6 Yr old daughter managed it but it took us around 6 to 7 hours in total with lots of stops. The last few hundred meters get very steep up rock steps and scrambles but they are achievable. I would set off early if trying to achieve this with younger kids to give them a lot of breaks as it feels a long way. The 4 1/2 hour estimate at the bottom of the trail is a bit unrealistic in my opinion even if you didn't have kids. Definately worth a go for the 360 degree views of the island though. It did get a bit cold and breezy at the top so even if it's sunny you may need a coat, and stuff for the midges near any water!
James CarterJames Carter
140
Hiked up on a hot 23C day, needed 3+ litres of water, made it up quite easy but most people seemed to need maybe 3+ stops. Im a novice having never hiked up a mountain before, I totally loved it, from the ferry then along the beach (40mins) through the forrest (50 mins) then maybe 2 1/2 hrs or so very mellow hike to the top, stopping regularly for my mates to have a roll-up n breather. It was beautiful all the way, I mean seriously beautiful. But the top summit on that clear day was awesomely breathtakingly gorgeous, we luv luv loved it 👍😎. Btw we took our time so most had already left before we arrived, and we were rewarded with the top to ourselves for about an hr, shear bliss ✌😉.
Ged AddisonGed Addison
10
Varied hike with great views. We went on a windy and slightly rainy day, started at the Wineport in Brodick. Starting in the forest with some unique fungi, moving higher through a deer fence and into the Moors (majority of the hike) and finally a mild scramble at the final stretch. We opted to make the scramble more difficult for ourselves and go off route, however there has been some conservation work to put steps in and slow erosion, and these are not too difficult. The weather started to turn and we did not do any further ridge climbing after reaching the trig, but on clearer days this would be fine. Wind chill was fierce at the top so come prepared.
Chris BowmanChris Bowman
40
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Isle of Arran KA27 8JB, United Kingdom
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outdoor
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Description
Goat Fell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres, it is one of four Corbetts on the island. The mountain, along with nearby Brodick Castle, is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
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