At 874 masl Goatfell is the most prominent and the highest peak of Isle of Arran, Scotland. The mountain dominates Arran landscape and has been a magnet for walkers for decades!
Although Goatfell is not formally classified as a ‘Munro’, but rather a ‘Corbett’, the fact that the person has to climb almost 900 metres to reach the top, can be comparable to climbing a Munro. So, nope, Goatfell is not a Munro, but it definitely can feel like climbing one! Depending on the route, the hike can start as low as the sea level, hence completing the whole route often exceeds 770 metres of elevation gain and can near as much as 1000 metres!
Hiking route to the Goatfell Arran is of moderate difficulty (in summer conditions), route finding is straightforward as the paths are well trodden and easy to follow.
Why should you hike to Goatfell Arran? The answer is very simple; the fine walking experience in beautiful mountainous area, the breath-taking views over the island, the optional fun factor- easy scramble over the ‘pyramides’ on the ridge to the top, and last but not least the exploration of a Scottish island of legendary beauty!
Continue reading to find out all about the quickest route up Goatfell, and how to hike to Goatfell from Corrie; as well as other possible starting points. By the end of this article you’ll know why climbing Goatfell is one of the best things to do on Arran!
Hike to Goatfell, Arran
- Height: 874 masl
- Total time: 5-6 hours
- Total distance: 8 km (circular)
- Parking: small parking area at the end of narrow track in upper Corrie. (directions)
- Level of difficulty: 3-moderate hill walk over well trodden paths, the mildly exposed section of scramble over North summit of Goatfell is avoidable (via lower path)
- Goatfell weather: weather forecast for Goatfell
- Which map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 361 -Arran
How to get to Arran
Isle of Arran is located along the west coast of Scotland, only a short drive from Glasgow! Hence it’s incredibly popular and connected with mainland by regular ferry service. The easiest way to get to Arran is taking a ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick, operated by Calmac. Check out the timetable HERE, and book your crossing HERE. Conveniently, crossing time is approximately 1 hour and the ferries sail from early morning till evening most days. Keep in mind that advance booking is highly recommended (for sailing ‘to’ and ‘from’ the island), as Arran indeed is incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike!
How to get to Goatfell trailhead
Once you’ve landed in Brodick drive north along main road A841, towards Corrie. Having passed first house in Corrie (‘Dutch style’), and a stone bridge, look out for a small green signpost (on the left side of the road), turn left there, directly past the bridge.
The narrow road will take you toward the hills, with the silhouette of Goatfell directly in front of you. Driving this narrow paved track requires some skill and confidence, as it serves both directions and does not have any designated passing places. In fact, most of the way it’s ‘walled’ either by thick bushes or a net fence. During our visit to Goatfell in high summer we were lucky enough not to pass anyone on our way up nor down. Although I admit, I sweated over the idea.
I am tempted to say that the drive to the trailhead is the most difficult part of the Goatfell adventure! If the above sounds too much for you, why not leave your vehicle in Corrie village and walk to the trailhead rather than drive? There are several parking spaces along Corrie’s main road, directly at the Corrie Terrace.
If, by chance you opted to negotiate the narrow track to the trailhead (a part of Arran coastal way), drive as far as the derelict waterwarks buildings, there’s a small parking area, now a dedicated Goatfell car park. Simply follow Google maps to this location.
Hiking trail to Goatfell, what to expect
Well done, you made it to the trailhead! Let’s not delay and hit the trail at once. From the parking area walk slightly uphill along the dirt track that winds thru woodland. Ignore any forks and ensure to stay on the right side of Corrie Burn at all times, don’t cross the stream.
Soon you’ll come to a gate at the edge of woods, cross it and the landscape will suddenly open! Past the gate you’ll stand face to face with massif of Goatfell, only endless moorland between you and the top!
The trail rises gently over grassy glen, stick to the sandy path all the way to the top of the glen and further, to climb to the ridge of North Goatfell. During our hike we felt that the glen walk and climb to the ridge was dragging, we were under impression that we walked and walked and the ridge was still just as far and high before us, but that’s just a personal thing I guess. We were very eager to conquer the top, hence the impatience, probably.
Once you climb to the ridge make sure to take in the views, as these are stunning! Look back to the glen you have just hiked thru (photos above), take a look at the rugged slopes of Goatfell, as this is your way down along this circular route. On the other side of the ridge, however you’ll see the majestic peaks like Cir Mhor and Beinn Tarsuinn & Beinn Nuis. These are no destination for the faint hearted, but a hike to Goatfell offers amazing overview of these peaks. If, like us, you’re a keen seasoned hiker you may want to take the time and spot the trails leading to the mighty Arran mountains, make you plans for other days or another trip. Have a look at the photo below, aren’t these peaks exciting?
My heart beats faster as I look at the pictures and come back to memories from Goatfell hike and the awesome Arran trip filled with adventure and exploration. I feel that one trip to Arran may not be enough, and I’d like to re-visit and tackle more mountains (as well as discover more cycling routes), weather permitting.
Goatfell summit ridge can be quite windy, which you’re likely to realise as soon as you set your feet on the high ground. Walk along the ridge (to the left), pass North Goatfell (use by-pass path unless you’re a keen scrambler). Climbing to the top of pyramid-like North Goatfell can be fun and add the adventure factor to your hike, but only try it when it’s safe to do so (high winds can be dangerous in high, slightly exposed terrain)
Having passed the pyramid of North Goatfell, it’s only a short walk to main Goatfell peak, the highest point on Arran! You will have to pass another 2 ‘pyramids’ along the way, try to climb them straight on if conditions permit, otherwise use a by-pass path on the right hand side (walk over large boulders).
Before you know it, you’ll be standing proud on the very summit of Goatfell, the rooftop of Arran! Well done, that was fun, wasn’t it?
The spacious summit of Goatfell is marked with a trig point and a plaque that portrays Arran’s location along the west coast of Scotland, a nice touch!
The amount of space at Goatfell’s summit is more than enough to accommodate all keen walkers, what we also liked about Goatfell’s top are the boulders and rock slabs, perfect extension to the summit and additional sitting/resting space!
Now that you’ve conquered the top of Goatfell and enjoyed the stunning scenery of Arran and Scottish coast, it’s time to pick a descent route. Of course it would be perfectly OK to retrace your steps and come back the same way, however we recommend a hike to Goatfell along the circular route, which means we’re not retracing our steps to come back to the car park!
Standing on the top of Goatfell you’ll see a path that gently descents along the eastern slopes, this trail is parallel to the glen path you used on ascent. If you’re unsure how to find the path and where to look for it, check out the Goatfell hiking maps we share below. Undoubtedly they’ll come of help when it comes to planning the Goatfell hike!
Follow the path all the way to the end of that slope. You may notice that in lower parts the trail is clearer, that’s because somewhere at the mid-length of the slope the path joins the ‘Arran coastal way’, a long distance trail exploring the island’s coast. Interesting that the ‘coastal way’ climbs that high in the mountains! Anyway, following a long distance trail has its advantages: for example you can expect to see signposts and route marks when the trail changes direction, or you may find the the trail is maintained and the path of better quality.
During our hike to Goatfell the above were not the case yet, probably due to the fact that ‘Arran coastal way’ was a very new thing and has only been introduced/marked recently.
As you follow the recommended descent trail you’ll see that the path turns left at the end of the slope, only to take you thru a brief section of rougher ground and join the main trail below. You’ll easily find your way and in no time your feet will be back at the initial section of the sandy glen trail, you used on the way up, only a couple of hours before!
Already on the sandy glen trail, follow it downhill (to the right) to come to a gate and the woodland, the car park is only a coupe of minutes down the hill.
Goatfell hiking map
For the purpose of planning the hike we also attached a simple online map, with the route marked. This one will come especially handy if you’re considering to extend the Goatfell hike or would like to start at a different point. The online map is interactive, and reflects broader connections between Arran mountains and trailheads. If you’d like to conquer Goatfell along a longer hike, possible a multi-day adventure, this online map will help you to plan it.
What we loved about the hike to Goatfell
We loved the peaceful ambience of Arran’s mountains, the fact that despite visiting in summer we only met one other couple along the way. A hike to Goatfell was our celebration of Bea’s birthday, and a very nice one too!
Arran is often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, indeed we felt so. Admiring Arran’s mountain ridges, rock outcrops, bouldery slopes, and quiet glens. We thoroughly enjoyed the stunning summit views, we loved the dramatic sight of Cir Mhor, its ridges and cliffs.
And finally, as the hike takes no more than half day we loved the fact that we comfortably completed it on our arrival day to Arran and could focus on other activities and adventures for the remaining part of the trip. A special mention is required to Arran’s respect for cyclists (the isle is a cyclist’s heaven!) with the 30 mph speed limit on all roads!
In other words, Arran is a place to visit, one that will awe you and make you long to return!
Wild camping near Goatfell and Arran accommodation
As long as you follow the outdoor code and ‘leave no trace’, you’re most welcome to Arran.
This is especially true of spending nights in Arran’s mountains, therefore feel free to plan multi-day hikes thru island’s ridges and glens. With the abundance of crystal clear freshwater from Arran’s mountain streams you’ll easily find drinking water and a decent camping spot nearby. Along the hike to Goatfell the best camping spots are located in the glen (on your way up), you could also find some flat spots along the Goatfell summit ridge, however keep in mind that the ridge may be windswept.
Due to the size of the car park we don’t recommend staying overnight in the campervan at the trailhead, actually we don’t recommend driving up the narrow track to the trailhead if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome (better park it in the village and walk to the railhead).
Apart from the mountain area (and a small tent), we suggest to stay at the campsite or arrange accommodation for your visit to Arran.
The campsite we stayed on Arran is located in the western part of the island, Bridgend campsite in Shiskine.
Not a fan of camping? We handpicked these amazing listings for you:
| Accommodation | rating | comment |
| Rowanbank Cottage, Brodick | 4.7 /5 | conveniently located in Brodick, the capital of Arran |
| A 2 bedroom cottage in Brodick | new | comfortable cosy and warm, central location |
| Springwell cottage, Corrie | 5 /5 | well equipped and comfortable, sea and mountain views |
| Much loved cottage,Pirnmill | 5 /5 | comfortable, located in the most peaceful part of Arran. sea views |
| Old Smiddy, Shiskine | 5 /5 | bright and comfortable, perfect home away from home |
*Level of difficulty explained: 1– easy walk, mostly flat 2-easy hillwalk, good path 3-moderate, possible some steep sections 4-long hillwalk, possibly some scrambling involved, possibly pathless 5-difficult, possibly pathless, long, requires technical skills
