Goat Fell | |
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![]() Goat Fell as seen fromBrodick shore. | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 874 m (2,867 ft) |
Prominence | 874 m (2,867 ft) Ranked 16th inBritish Isles |
Listing | Corbett,Marilyn,Hardy,council top (North Ayrshire),county top (Bute) |
Coordinates | 55°37′33.5″N5°11′26″W / 55.625972°N 5.19056°W /55.625972; -5.19056 |
Geography | |
OS grid | NR991415 |
Topo map | OSExplorer 361;Landrangers 62, 69 |
Goat Fell (Scottish Gaelic:Gaoitbheinn)[1] is the highest point on theIsle of Arran. At 874 metres (2,867 ft), it is one of fourCorbetts on the island. The mountain, along with nearbyBrodick Castle, is now owned by theNational Trust for Scotland.
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 over 3 miles (5 km) in length, starts from near Brodick Castle inCladach. Initially the path leads up through the forested grounds of the castle, passing manyrhododendron bushes. At just under 1,000 ft (300 m)above sea level the path leaves the forestry, and the route continues through baremoorland, reaching the summit by way of the east ridge of the mountain. There is a viewpoint table at the summit: on a clear dayNorthern Ireland may be seen.
An alternative shorter and steeper route comes up from the village ofCorrie. This route joins the main path on the east ridge. 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 easyscrambling as it passes over Cìoch na h-Òighe (theYoung Maiden'sBreast). Finally, the western ridge drops down to abealach known as The Saddle, before climbing again towards the summit ofCìr Mhòr. Theright-of-way betweenGlen Rosa andGlen Sannox passes over The Saddle.
The mountain was the scene of the death of English tourist Edwin Rose who was murdered by John Watson Laurie in 1889 on the mountain. Laurie was sentenced to death, later commuted to a life sentence and spent the rest of his life in prison.[2]