North Goatfell

Often overshadowed by its higher neighbor, this rugged granite peak offers a technical feel. Situated on the spectacular ridge leading towards Mullach Buidhe, it overlooks the deep trough of Glen Sannox. The terrain is boulder-strewn and demanding, providing sharp views across the jagged skyline to Cir Mhòr and the Witch’s Step.

• •The name is a linguistical relic of the Viking Age, combining the Old Norse 'fjall' (mountain) with either 'geita' (goat) or a corruption of the Gaelic 'gaoth' (wind).
• •It is linked to the main summit of Goatfell by the Stacach ridge, a jagged line of granite pinnacles that requires a head for heights or a steady scramble to traverse directly.
• •This peak provides a front-row seat to the 'Witch’s Step' (Ceum na Caillich), a massive, deep notch in the skyline of the Castail Abhail ridge to the northwest.
• •The summit is part of the 'Northern Granite' of Arran, characterized by huge, weathered blocks that resemble prehistoric masonry, formed roughly 60 million years ago.
• •While classified as a Tump, most walkers bag this summit by accident while focused entirely on not tripping over the boulder fields of the main ridge.