Goat Fell
is the highest mountain on Arran; its ascent is straightforward but enlivened by tremendous seaward views and the prospect of the sporting north ridge that lies in wait.
Begin at the exit road from Brodick Castle, just north of the junction of the A841 and the B880. Walk up the road past the Cnocan Burn and take the track on the left behind the kennels. Keeping straight on, follow the signposted Goat Fell path up beside the Cnocan Burn and across the moorland to the boulder strewn east ridge.
Reach the summit without difficulty and continue to North Goat Fell along the north ridge, which is punctuated with rock tors whose negotiation provides some entertaining scrambling, paths bypass all the interest.
Beyond North Goat Fell easy going leads to the flat summit of Mullach Buidhe and then probably the most interesting scrambling of the day is encountered as the ridge narrows out to Cioch na h Oighe above the crags of the Punch Bowl.
From Cioch na h Oighe return to North Goat Fell and descend the steep north-west ridge to The Saddle; hands and care are required near the top.
The day ends with a long walk out down Glen Rosa beside the sparkling waters of the Glenrosa Water, reaching the B880 a short distance from your starting point.
For more information about Goatfell Mountain, The National Trust for Scotland and how you can become a member, click here
