Isle of Arran
Goatfell — Parking
Brodick Country Park / Cladach · Grid ref NS 008 381 · KA27 8HX · Paid — NTS car park (free for NTS members)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NS 008 381
- Postcode (satnav)
- KA27 8HX
- Spaces
- ~40
- Cost
- Paid — NTS car park (free for NTS members)
- Surface
- tarmac
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 45m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 2h 20m
From the car park
The car park is at Cladach within Brodick Country Park, adjacent to Brodick Castle (NTS). The Goatfell path begins from the north end of the car park through mixed woodland on the castle estate. After leaving the trees, the path climbs steadily on good constructed surfaces across open moorland, gaining the north ridge of Goatfell. The final section steepens to the granite summit tor at 874m — a short scramble on solid rock.
The walk
Goatfell (874m) is Arran's highest summit and one of Scotland's finest island peaks. The route from Brodick Country Park is 11km return with 870m of ascent — a full hillwalking day for most. The granite summit gives one of Scotland's most expansive views: Ailsa Craig, the Mull of Kintyre, Ben Lomond, the Paps of Jura and on clear days the Irish coast. The north ridge onwards to Cir Mhòr makes a superb extension for experienced scramblers. Allow 4–6 hours return.
Facilities
- NTS visitor centre
- Café
- Toilets
- Gift shop
Busy times
Goatfell is extremely popular as a day trip from Glasgow in summer. The ferry crossing from Ardrossan means most visitors arrive between 9am and 11am — the path is busiest mid-morning. On July and August bank holidays, the path can feel very crowded. Arriving on the first ferry or last ferry of the day helps avoid the peak. Mid-week in June and September is excellent.
Getting here without a car
CalMac ferry from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick (55 min) runs multiple times daily — book in advance in summer at calmac.co.uk. Ardrossan Harbour rail station connects to Glasgow Central (50 min). From Brodick ferry terminal, Brodick Country Park car park is 1.5km by the main road (or a pleasant coastal path). Local buses run from the terminal. Goatfell is exceptionally accessible by public transport from Glasgow.
Winter access
The ferry to Arran runs year-round subject to weather and sea conditions — CalMac may cancel sailings in severe westerly gales. The Brodick Country Park car park is accessible throughout the year. Goatfell's upper slopes and summit ridge hold snow and ice from December to March. The north ridge and upper section require care in icy conditions. Crampons are recommended if snow lies.
Overflow parking
Brodick town (1km south) has street parking and the main ferry terminal car park.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:30
- Sunset
- 21:04
- Civil dawn
- 04:45
- Civil dusk
- 21:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Goatfell from Glasgow?
- Take ScotRail from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour (50 min), then CalMac ferry to Brodick on Arran (55 min). From Brodick ferry terminal, walk or take the local bus to Brodick Country Park car park (1.5km). Book the ferry in advance in summer at calmac.co.uk.
- How long does it take to climb Goatfell?
- Most walkers take 4–6 hours return from the Brodick Country Park car park. The ascent is approximately 2.5–3 hours; the descent 1.5–2 hours. The final section on the granite summit tor involves easy scrambling that slows some walkers.
- Is Goatfell a Munro?
- No — Goatfell at 874m is below the 914m Munro threshold. It is classified as a Corbett (762m–914m). Despite this, it is one of Scotland's most popular and rewarding island summits with exceptional views in all directions.
- Can I walk from Brodick ferry terminal to Goatfell?
- Yes — it is possible to walk the entire route from Brodick ferry terminal to the summit and back in a day without a car. The ferry terminal to Brodick Country Park car park is approximately 1.5km by road or coastal path, adding about 30 minutes each way.