Goat Fell

Goat Fell rises to 874 meters from sea level near Brodick Castle and stands as the highest point on the Isle of Arran. The summit is surrounded by forest and moorland, offering views across the Firth of Clyde toward the Scottish mainland on clear days.

The peak gained tragic attention in 1889 when a visitor was killed on its slopes, an event that brought widespread notoriety to the area. This crime became one of Scotland's notable cases and left a lasting mark on local memory.

The mountain's name blends English and Scottish Gaelic elements, known locally as Gaoda Bheinn, reflecting the linguistic heritage of the island. For generations, the peak has shaped how locals and visitors understand the landscape and their connection to it.

The main hiking route starts at Brodick Castle and covers roughly five kilometers through forest and moorland to reach the granite summit. The terrain becomes steeper higher up and can turn slippery in wet weather, so visitors should arrive with proper footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

The summit features a viewpoint table from which visitors can spot Northern Ireland's coastline, the Mull of Kintyre, and neighboring Scottish islands on clear days. Many hikers are surprised to discover such distant views from an island peak.

Location: North Ayrshire

Elevation above the sea: 874 m

Email: goatfell@nts.org.uk

Website: https://nts.org.uk/visit/places/goatfell

GPS coordinates: 55.62583,-5.19199

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22