Scotland
North Goatfell
818M
2684FT
About 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.
Key Statistics
Rank
5th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Southern Hebrides
Prominence
?
58m
Nearest Town
Corrie
Geology
You are walking on the Arran Northern Granite. This solid rock formation makes up the rugged peaks and ridges of the island's northern landscape.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NR989422
Latitude
55.6324°N
Longitude
5.1946°W
Did You Know?
- •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.