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Goatfell Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
4h30 Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
11.2km
out and back
Elevation gain
880m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
874 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
No
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Isle of Arran
Start point
55.59132, -5.15559
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Goatfell hike takes you to the iconic summit and highest point on the Isle of Arran, at an altitude of 874 meters. This route is undoubtedly the most popular on the island and a must for hikers visiting Arran.

Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with an exceptional 360° panorama of the entire island of Arran, the Scottish coast, the islands of Jura and Islay, and on a clear day, you can even see the Irish coast.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Goatfell Hike

Difficulties of the hike

This hike requires significant physical effort, with an elevation gain of 880 meters from sea level. The trail is clear and well-maintained throughout.

The ascent begins in the forest with a gentle, steady slope and then crosses heathland with a gradually steeper incline. The final third of the hike becomes very steep: the trail winds between and over imposing granite boulders. Fortunately, stone steps have recently been added to this section, making it easier and accessible to most people without requiring any special technical skills.

What you'll love

  • The spectacular panorama from the summit: on a clear day, the view stretches across the entire Isle of Arran with its impressive granite ridges, the islands of Jura and Islay, and even the Irish coast.
  • The gradual and well-maintained approach which allows you to enjoy the climb on excellent trails maintained by the National Trust of Scotland.

Practical information

Access and parking

A large, free parking lot is available near the mountain rescue center, 1.5 km north of Brodick. The trailhead is behind the Isle of Arran Brewery, across the road. From the Brodick ferry terminal, you can reach the starting point on foot in about 30 minutes via the coastal path or by bus in 5 minutes.

After the hike

The Wineport Bistro, located at the starting point, is the ideal place to celebrate your climb with a well-deserved drink in their pleasant garden.

View south towards Brodick on the ascent
View south towards Brodick on the ascent
Brodick and Holy Island in the distance
Brodick and Holy Island in the distance
Goatfell
Goatfell
Goatfell
Goatfell
Silhouettes of Cir Mhor and the peaks of Jura Island in the background
Silhouettes of Cir Mhor and the peaks of Jura Island in the background
Cir Mhor silhouette at sunset
Cir Mhor silhouette at sunset
View to the west at sunset, from Goatfell
View to the west at sunset, from Goatfell
Cir Mhor
Cir Mhor
Goatfell Ridge, Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail
Goatfell Ridge, Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail
Brodick Bay
Brodick Bay

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/goatfell/