Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the popular 9.0 km out-and-back from Cladach to Goatfell, gaining 725 m. From the car park opposite the Wineport, pass the Arran Brewery and take the main Goatfell path through woodland. Continue straight across the tarmac road and minor junctions, leave the trees for heather moorland, then cross the Mill Burn footbridge and pass through the deer fence. At the eastern shoulder, turn left for the steep final climb as the path weaves between and over granite boulders to Goatfell's 874 m summit. Retrace the same route. The upper tourist path is steep and rocky but is not the scrambling continuation towards North Goatfell.
Above the woodland, the path becomes rougher around Mill Burn and the eastern shoulder, with granite slabs and boulders replacing the lower track. The summit area has steep ground nearby and can be confusing in cloud. Return by the same eastern route; do not drift north towards North Goatfell or the Saddle. CalMac sailings and island buses can affect the day, so check transport as carefully as the mountain forecast. Save enough time for the long woodland descent to Cladach.
A hearty climb into the wilderness, Goat Fell is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran.
National Trust for Scotland
Route Waypoints
Start opposite the Wineport at grid NS 012 376. Follow the track behind the bistro, pass the outdoor shop and Arran Brewery, then take the main signed Goatfell path from the far corner.
Around 100 m elevation, stay on the main path through the woods. Ignore side paths, cross the tarmac road and continue towards the open moor.
Near 300 m, the path is above the trees and climbing over heather moorland. Join the wider Castle path, cross the footbridge over Mill Burn and continue through the deer-fence gate.
At roughly 500 m, meet the fainter Corrie path near Goatfell's eastern shoulder. Turn left onto the steepest part of the route, following the established line through granite blocks.
Reach the 874 m summit and trig point. This is the GPX turnaround point; do not continue north onto the rugged ridge towards North Goatfell unless separately equipped and experienced.
Reverse the granite shoulder and stay with the Cladach line. Do not continue north towards North Goatfell or the Saddle.
Regain the lower path near Mill Burn and follow it into the woodland. Wet slabs and roots make the descent slippery.
Retrace the same tourist path through the boulders, over Mill Burn and back through the woodland to Cladach. The rocky descent is slow and slippery when wet.
Essential Tips
The final tourist path is steep and rough, weaving between and over granite boulders, but the GPX does not include the scrambling ridge beyond Goatfell. Use hands for balance only where needed.
Cloud, strong wind and rain can arrive quickly and hide the path among upper boulders. Carry OS Explorer 361, a compass, waterproofs and warm layers, and turn back if conditions become unsafe.
Use the maintained line to reduce erosion across Goatfell's fragile upland habitat. Give way at narrow sections, avoid shortcutting zigzags and take all litter home.
If travelling as a day visitor, check the live ferry and island-bus timetable before walking and leave a generous return buffer. Do not rely on an assumed seasonal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Goatfell route from Cladach?
This GPX is a 9.0 km out-and-back with 725 m of ascent. Its calculated walking-time estimate is about 3 hours 1 minute before stops, but the rocky path and weather mean many walkers should allow longer.
Does the standard Goatfell route involve scrambling?
The GPX follows the popular tourist path, which becomes steep and rough and weaves between and over granite boulders. It is not normally treated as a technical scramble. The rugged ridge continuing north from the summit is different and is not included.
Where does the walk start and which OS map covers it?
Start from Cladach car park opposite the Wineport, grid NS 012 376, then pass Arran Brewery to the main path. Carry OS Explorer 361, Isle of Arran, and check live ferry or bus times if travelling without a local base.