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Goatfell from Cladach

Start/Finish

Public car park at Cladach by the bus shelter. This is to the east of the Visitor Centre. Parking was free on 4/9/17.

Distance/Time

10 km. About 5 hours.

Peaks

Goatfell, 874 m, NR 991 415.     OS sheet 69: Isle of Arran

Introduction

Goatfell is the highest peak on Arran but is easily climbed by this route as there is a very good path with steps in places. There is no scrambling. The route is usually easy to follow but a few additional paths have appeared over the years. If in doubt, look for the path with steps when alternatives present themselves.

Route

(1) Cross the road from the car park and follow the track to the shops turning left at the top shop. The Goatfell track goes between the brewery and the leather shop. Follow it up, soon crossing a tarmac road. Continue. Further on, the track becomes a good path and eventually leaves the trees behind. Join another path just before a bridge. Cross the bridge and continue up passing through a gate. The path is a little slabby in places but still easy to follow. As it starts to climb through rockier areas, short stepped sections help with the ascent but it is never steep. Higher up it joins the East Ridge and merges with the path from Corrie (village on the coast). Continue up. When the gradient eases, reach a flatter section where there is a trig point and a viewfinder cairn which mark the summit of Goatfell, 874 m.

(2) Retrace the outward route.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 4^th September, 2017, in very poor weather then repeated on 9^th September in very good weather and about 10 years earlier via North Goatfell from Glen Sannox.

(b) In descent, it is possible to continue ahead after crossing the bridge. This track leads through the forest before crossing a stream which may be deep after rain. In this case, continue ahead about 50 m and cross over the small dam. Continue down the track. Reach a crossroads and either go right to rejoin the Goatfell track in about 800 m or go across and follow the Peat Track down to a T junction. Turn right and follow a sometimes muddy path to rejoin the Goatfell Track. Other options are possible!