Climbing Goatfell was on top of our list while visiting the beautiful Isle of Arran for a week in June. Not only it was our first time on Arran but we were also blessed with absolutely superb weather all week. Not a drop of rain for 7 days! It reminded me of our last year’s visit to the Isle of Skye. It was the same scenario weather-wise. Who says it always rains in Scotland?! 😉 

How to get to Arran

The Isle of Arran is located along the west coast of Scotland, only a short drive (about 50 min) from Glasgow . The easiest way to reach Arran is by ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick, operated by Calmac. Check out their timetable here. Conveniently, crossing time is about 55 min and the ferries sail frequently from morning to evening most days. 

Top Tip – I would strongly advise you to book your ferry well in advance of your trip as Arran indeed is a very popular destination, especially in summer. 

Where is Goatfell?

Goatfell or Goat Fell (depending on your spelling preference) which dominated the Isle of Arran has been a popular destination for hikers and climbers for decades. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the majestic Arran mountains. Nowadays, Goatfell along with the Brodick Castle is owned by the National Trust of Scotland. 

Is Goatfell a Munro?

At 847 m (2866 feet) Goatfell is the highest point on the Island of Arran. Goatfell is not a Munro but it’s one of the four Corbetts on the island. Considering that one has to climb almost 900 metres to reach the summit, and the last section is quite hard on your knees, it can definitely feel like climbing a Munro!  The other three corbetts are Caisteal Abhail, Beinn Tarsuinn and my favourite Cir Mhor for its dramatic look. 

Is Goatfell Easy to Climb?

Some people might say that the hike is relatively easy but I would certainly not call it an easy one. Obviously, it all depends on your age, level of fitness, hiking experience and last but not least the weather forecast, not to mention your knees’ condition! 

I would rate this hike of moderate difficulty. This is mainly because of the need of tackling steps and boulders of various sizes. The walk starts easy and gradually gets harder. After a few hours of climbing, you will definitely feel the consequences the next day. The last 40 mins or so is quite a strenuous scramble to the top. Everyone we met agreed it was quite hard going. 

We have done this walk with our 9-year-old and also seen people carrying very small babies on their backs or in baby slings. I guess most people can complete this hike without much experience in hiking. 

Hiking to the Summit

There are a few routes you can take to the summit. We have chosen the most popular one starting from the Arran Brewery at Cladach and returning the same way. Free parking is available opposite The Wineport, a family and dog-friendly bar bistro (pink house). Celebrate your climb with a pint in their lovely garden afterwards. Alternatively, you can do a circular walk from Corrie. 

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How long does it take to climb Goatfell?

I would definitely allow plenty of time for completing the hike. Depending on abilities and weather conditions, most people do it in 4-5 hours. It took us in total 7,5 hours but we stopped a lot to take in the views, photographs and catch a breath (mostly me! ). 

We also spent probably an hour on the top having our lunch and a rest and just enjoying the views. Weather-wise, it was scorching hot. We climbed the mountain with our son (he is like a goat though) and a dog. We were not in a hurry at all, it was a beautiful day. On the contrary, many people climb the mountain as fast as possible because they are on the Isle of Arran for a day trip and they have a ferry to catch back home.

The Route

The route begins with a nice gentle walk through the Brodick castle grounds before you enter woodland. Crossing through a gate you leave the forest and enter into more open country, dotted with mountain ash and hawthorn trees, but soon the trees give away to open moorland. Continuing along the path you soon reach a bridge across a burn.

Passing over the bridge the path ascends to a deer gate. From here on the path starts to become more uneven with different sized boulders and rocks. Therefore it is worth watching where you put your feet!

The ascent becomes steeper until you are at the base of the final leg of the adventure. From here the last half an hour to forty-five minutes (depending on how fit you are!) is basically a bit of a scramble. Getting up may require the use of hands as well as feet in places.

Arriving at the top of the mountain you are rewarded with a great sense of achievement and if the visibility is good, a spectacular set of views. All that remains is to enjoy the view and then think about getting down.

Tips for Climbing the Goatfell

• Bring plenty of water with you, especially on a hot day! 
• Sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended. I always walk in my Scarpa Terra GTX walking boots and I love them. I basically live in them all year round. 
• Remember to take your hiking poles! I don’t use them much on my walks but they really helped me (and my knees) this time, especially on the way down. I am really glad I took them. 
• Don’t forget your snack or a picnic but leave no trace. 
• It’s always a good idea to have a map and compass with you.
• And lastly, take a camera or phone with you. You will want to take photos of the dramatic views at the top! 

Conclusion

I would say that climbing Goatfell is a must while visiting Arran. On a good day, the views from the top are just spectacular and the hard work up is totally worth it. Treat yourself to a “Goatfell Conqueror” T-shirt at the Touch of Enchantment gift shop when you finish the hike. 

We will keep the climb forever in our memories, mainly because it was our son’s hardest and longest climb so far. We were also lucky with the weather and the visibility was just excellent. It was one of those perfect days. I definitely felt it the next day or two though! 😀

We have fallen in love with the Isle of Arran and we hope to be back again one day. 

Have you climbed the Goatfell? Tell me about your experience at the end of this article. I would love to hear about it! 

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