Goatfell’s ridges mountain walk

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Moderate  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

Endurance Rating

3  

Sustained steep ascents and descents, long-distance, stamina required, suitable for fit walkers. Have you had recent experience of walking for 6-8 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) a mountain of over 1000m (3000ft) in height without physical distress? Do you regularly play an aerobic sport pretty much every week? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

As the main route up Goatfell, this walk sets out from Cladach up the “tourist path”. However, having gained the first 400 metres or so of ascent on the main Goatfell path, the route leaves this well-trodden trail and heads for the prow of the mountain’s south ridge.

This is gained by striking out across pathless and boggy heather moorland, steeply clambering up onto the crest. Having left the busy main Goatfell path behind, along its southern ridge, encounters with mountain wildlife are much more likely than meeting fellow walkers.

On the ridge, a faint path threads through granite slabs and boulders, with views continuously opening to the surrounding hills. Some clambering is necessary as the spiny peak of the ridge is reached – an awe-inspiring jumble of granite boulders and tors.

A final uphill pull across slightly easier ground, and the many walkers scaling Arran’s highest mountain are rejoined on the summit of Goatfell. From there the walk heads north along the Stacach ridge, by-passing any technical sections on its eastern side. The shapely peak of North Goatfell is taken in for more spectacular granite formations and views, before descending steeply into Coire Lan, and finally down to High Corrie.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List