Goatfell Arran and Glen Rosa Loop hike in Scotland
Goatfell, Arran is the highest peak on Arran at 874 m above sea level giving it ‘Corbett’ status. Given Goatfell’s height, it’s prominent from the eastern coast of Arran and is an item on many people’s lists of things to do on Arran.
On a recent trip to the Isle of Arran with friends keen to show us the adventures and benefits of living in Scotland over Vancouver, we hiked the Goatfell and Glen Rosa loop.
Though it rained (sideways) and was pretty clouded at the top we did get some glimpses of the beautiful views from the summit of Goatfell. We also returned via Glen Rosa which was beautiful and we even saw and heard some rutting stags for the full Scottish hiking experience.
If you’re planning to visit the Isle of Arran and are keen to hike Goatfell on Arran, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
OS Maps are awesome for hiking in the UK. I’ve never found anything quite like them when in other countries. They have all features like churches, rivers, peaks, viewpoints and more. You can get paper maps (which are great for finding new places), and their app is super useful too.
How to get to the Isle of Arran Goatfell trailhead
The trailhead for Goatfell and Glenrosa loop on the Isle of Arran goes from Arran Brewery.
When it comes to how to get to Goat Fell from ferry terminal on Arran, it’s pretty easy and you don’t need a car.
To get to Goatfell from Brodick you can walk along the bay, or take the bus to the trailhead from the ferry terminal; which means you can make your visit to Arran and Goatfell car-free!
How to get to the Isle of Arran
To get to the Isle of Arran you’ll need to take the ferry. There are two ferries to Arran, one between Ardrossan and Brodick and another between Claonaig and Lochranza.
Both ferries take vehicles and it’s best to pre-book, especially if you’re traveling in summer.
Alternatively, you can go on the ferry as a foot passenger which is cheaper and there’s a decent bus service on Arran for you to get around the island.
I’ve included links to the ferry times from Ardrossan to Arran and Claonig to Lochranza below too.
The ferries actually serve pretty good meals, so if you’ve had an early start or are traveling over dinner, then check out the food.
Top tip: Travel by train and get a rail and sail ticket for £24.50 return from Glasgow to Brodick! Just select Brodick as your destination.
Hiking Goatfell, Arran
Starting from the trailhead by Arran Brewery. There’s a small store here where you can make sure your water bottles are fully topped up too.
Starting out, you’ll take a short walk on a gravel road, slightly uphill, through a forested area.
When you reach a road, cross straight over and continue until you get to a sharp right in the path (the Charcoal Trail as seen on AllTrails). Here, go left and stay on the trail up to Goatfell.
Now you’ll leave the forest and come out into the open and get your first look at Goatfell in the distance.
You’ll climb your way up a well-defined path, past streams, and into the heather moorland.
If you look back you’ll also see Holy Island which is home to some of Scotland’s best landscapes!
Cross a footbridge over Mill Burn and go through the gate in one of the deer fences.
At this point, the trail becomes a little more uneven and you’ll continue the climb up towards the eastern side of Goatfell.
The final ascent on your left gets much rougher and you’ll need to navigate over some pretty large boulders. Take your time and take breaks as needed to enjoy the amazing views!
Once you’ve reached the summit, marked by a large cairn, a trig point, and a plaque.
It was at this point we’d been pretty drenched on the way up and luckily the wind and rain did drop slightly giving us small views of the sea, Holy Island, and the rest of Arran. I can imagine on a clear day the views are incredible!
If you just want to do Goatfell out-and-back then head back down the way you came and maybe treat yourself to a beer at the brewery!
If you’re looking for a loop trail then continue reading.
Goatfell to Glen Rosa
Once you’ve had your fill of the views up on the summit of Goatfell, it’s time to head down and through Glen Rosa.
From the summit of Goatfell, head over to North Goatfell taking care while walking along the path which has some scrambly and exposed sections as you make your way down to the Glen Rosa walk Arran.
There are some clear trails here and do the parts you’re comfortable with – you can always turn back!
Along the ridge to North Goatfell, there’s a rocky tower column. The left-hand side is a bit less exposed than the right-hand side so I would recommend that route.
From the summit of North Goatfell, it’s time to head down to your left!
This route involves some scrambling and some steeper, exposed sections where you need to take care. It’s doable and the trail is never super narrow or involves a lot of climbing, but I do recommend using your hands in places and keeping 3-points of contact on the rocks/trail to stay balanced and in control.
There are several ridges that you’ll go up and over, slowly decreasing in elevation until you reach the saddle.
The views from the ridge are beautiful as you look down onto Glen Rosa on your left and Glen Sannox on your right.
At the saddle, take a left again and walk down through Glen Rosa, enjoying the slightly easier terrain and keeping your eyes open for deer!
Along the way back through Glen Rosa you’ll come across the Blue Pools which offer some of the best wild swimming in the UK!
Or if you can wait, check out some of the best beaches on Arran on your way back home which offer crystal clear waters!
As you near the end, you’ll go through Glen Rosa campsite and then arrive back at the main road. Make a left at the road and take the short walk back up to the brewery for a pint to celebrate hiking up Goatfell Mountain.
Or, head right and walk through Brodick Bay to the ferry terminal for your ride back to the mainland.
Goatfell Walk and Glen Rosa Loop Stats
Here are some of the essential details to know before deciding whether Goatfell and the Glen Rosa loop is the right hike on Arran for you.
- How long is the Goatfell walk?: 17 km
- Cumulative elevation gain: 983 m
- How long to climb Goatfell: 6-8 hours
- Trailhead location: From Arran Brewery
You can also hike Goatfell as an out-and-back which makes the hike quite a bit shorter. However, you do miss out on the beautiful Glen Rosa, and hiking a loop is always much more fun in my view!
Tips for climbing Goat Fell, Isle of Arran
There are some important things you should know before going on a hike on Arran.
- Always practice leave no trace ethics.
- Remember to respect the terrain, environment, and other users while you are enjoying the trails.
- How high is Goatfell? Goatfell is 874 m high!
- Follow the three Ts—trip planning, training, and taking the essentials.
- Don’t leave home without your 10 essentials. They could save your life!
- There are lots of deer in Scotland so make sure you do a tick check very soon after your hike.
- The Isle of Arran can be bad for midges. Check the midge forecast and take your midge spray with you if it’s high!
- Goatfell weather: Check the weather before you go so you know what you’re in for!
Scotland’s Right to Roam – Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly, care for the environment and respect the interests of others. You can learn more about the Scotland Outdoor Access Code, and what it means for your activities here.
What to pack for Goatfel and the Glen Rosa walk
Below is some basic information on what to wear hiking in Scotland. As with hiking anywhere (but especially in Scotland), be sure to pack your waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers!
What to pack for this hike depends on what season you’re hiking in.
- Check out my day hike packing list here.
- If you’re hiking in summer you should pack sunscreen, sunglasses, layers, water and bug spray as well as everything in the 10 essentials for hiking list.
- Here is what to wear hiking in hot weather
- Check out this post on the best leggings for hiking or what to wear hiking in summer for more details and my gear recommendations.
- If you’re hiking in winter after the snow has started falling you’ll need microspikes at the very least. If there is a lot of snow you will probably need snowshoes.
- You should also take plenty of layers including a fleece layer, a puffy insulated jacket and a wind and waterproof outer layer. Hats and gloves are also necessary as well as a good backpack to keep everything in.
- You should also pack water and some snacks too to keep you going as they’re part of the 10 essentials for hiking!
- Planning a hiking date? Check out what to wear on a hiking date but still look cool.
How to get to Arran Scotland
The Isle of Arran is a beautiful island in Scotland. If you want to visit it, here’s how you can get there:
The Isle of Arran Ferry to Brodick
The most common way to get to Arran is by ferry. You take a ferry from the town of Ardrossan on the mainland of Scotland. This ferry goes straight to Brodick, which is the main town on Arran.
The journey on the ferry takes about 55 minutes and it’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance, especially if you’re bringing a car as the ferry often gets fully booked on weekends and other peak times.
On the ferry, you’ll find food and drinks available for purchase.
Train to Arran
If you’re starting from far away, like Glasgow, you can take a train to Ardrossan. Once you’re in Ardrossan, you can then hop on the ferry to Arran.
Book a rail and sail ticket by selecting your destination as Brodick rather than Adrossan to save money.
Driving to Arran
You can also take your car across on the ferry but this is more expensive. If you’re hiking Goatfell you don’t really need a car since the bus is easy to get from the ferry terminal to the trailhead.
FAQs about Glen Rosa Arran and Goat Fell Arran
Is Goatfell easy to climb?
Why is Goatfell called Goatfell?
Where do I start Goatfell?
Final thoughts on Goat Fell Arran
The Goatfell hike on Arran is one of the best hikes on the island as you make your way up to the highest point. With the Goatfell height of 874 m, you can get incredible views of the islands of Scotland, the surrounding mountains and out to the mainland from the summit (as long as it’s not raining).
This loop also includes a walk through glen rosa Isle of Arran which is absolutely beautiful, and well worth adding to this hike.
If you enjoy hiking, be sure to check out all my hiking guides which include the best walks in Glen Coe, as well as the best Loch Lomond walks and hiking trails. I’ve also got guides to the Cairngorms and guides for individual trails such as the Ben Lomond hiking trail, Stuc a Chroin, Ben Ledi, and more from hikes around the world.
Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
