Goat Fell

Goat Fell stands on the Isle of Arran in North Ayrshire. It is the island’s highest point at 875 metres and one of four Corbetts there. The National Trust for Scotland owns the mountain and the nearby Brodick Castle. The mountain’s Gaelic name is Gaoitbheinn. It rises above the village of Brodick and the Firth of Clyde. The mountain draws many walkers because of its varied routes. The main path starts near Brodick Castle and climbs through rhododendron woods before crossing open moorland. After about five kilometres the route reaches the summit along the east ridge. On clear days the summit table offers views as far as Northern Ireland. Shorter routes start from Corrie or the north ridge near North Goatfell. The north ridge also passes Cìoch na h-Òighe, a rock feature known as the Young Maiden’s Breast. The summit area includes a viewpoint table and open ground. The east ridge leads directly to the top while the western ridge drops to a bealach called The Saddle. From The Saddle the path climbs again towards Cìr Mhòr. The mountain’s history includes a tragic incident in 1889 when an English tourist was killed on the slopes.