Goat Fell

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Goat Fell
Sunset over Goat Fell, seen from Brodick harbour
Elevation	874 m (2,867 ft)
Location	Isle of Arran, Scotland
Prominence	874 m
Topo map	OS Landrangers 62, 69
OS grid reference	NR991415
Listing	Corbett, Marilyn, council top (North Ayrshire), county top (Bute

Goat Fell (marked as Goatfell by the Ordnance Survey) is the highest point on the Isle of Arran. At 874 metres (2,867 ft), it is one of four Corbetts on the island. The mountain, along with nearby Brodick Castle, is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

The name is believed to mean either 'Mountain of Wind' (from the Gaelic gaoth) or 'Goat Mountain' (from the Norse geita).

Due to the popularity of "Scotland in miniature" (Arran), Goat Fell is a very popular peak and there are many possible routes of ascent, some of which may be combined with visits to the summits of other nearby peaks. The most commonly used route, a constructed path of just under 5 km in length, starts from near Brodick Castle in Cladach. Initially the path leads up through the forested grounds of the castle, passing many rhododendron bushes. Above 300 m above sea level the path leaves the forestry, and the route continues through bare moorland, reaching the summit by way of the east ridge of the mountain. There is a viewpoint table at the summit: on a clear day Ireland may be seen.

An alternative route comes up from the village of Corrie. Goat Fell may also be climbed from the north, where it is linked by a ridge to the subsidiary top of North Goatfell, a point from which three ridges radiate. In addition to the ridge leading south to the main summit, there is a ridge heading northeast, providing some very easy scrambling as it passes over Cioch na h-Oighe (the Young Maiden's Breast). Finally, the western ridge drops down to a bealach known as The Saddle, before climbing again towards the summit of Cir Mhòr. The right-of-way between Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox passes over The Saddle.

It is also the historical scene of a murder that caused national controversy in July 1889 when John Laurie was convicted of killing Edwin Rose ^[1].