Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge up Goatfell: route map, distance and time
875 m · North Ayrshire · OS grid NR991415
Goatfell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran, a granite peak above Brodick with a clear path and wide views over the Firth of Clyde.
A well-made path through woodland and open moor, then a steep, bouldery climb up the east ridge.
Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge at a glance
| Distance | 6.4 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 856 m |
| Time up | 2h 40m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 4h 0m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Cladach, near Brodick Castle |
| Start grid reference | NS 010 376 |
| Summit grid reference | NR991415 |
Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- The Wineport0.2 km
- Edgewater1.7 km
- The Ormidale Bar1.9 km
- Duchess Court Shop0.4 km
- Café Rosaburn0.9 km
- Good Food Shop1.6 km
- Public toilets0.2 km
- Public toilets0.7 km
- Public toilets1.6 km
- Glen Rosa Campsite1.0 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 4h 0m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 20m | 4h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:57, sunset 18:14. Start by 13:14 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 0m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:59, sunset 18:11. Start by 13:11 to be down before dark, allowing 4h 0m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Goatfell summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 14 mph gusting 17 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:57, sunset 18:14.
-
Good Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 24 mph gusting 30 mph, 59% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:59, sunset 18:11.
Best day of the next seven for the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 17 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Goatfell forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Goatfell?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Goatfell
Goatfell is the highest point on the Isle of Arran, a granite peak above Brodick with a clear path and wide views over the Firth of Clyde. More about Goatfell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Corbett, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Cir Mhor (798 m), 2.4 km north-west
Challenges that include Goatfell
Other routes up Goatfell
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrie via Coire Lan | 9.1 km one way | 1,087 m | 3h 40m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NS 010 376, the summit at NR991415), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge: questions and answers
How far is the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge?
The Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge is 6.4 km one way to the summit of Goatfell, with 856 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.8 km.
How long does the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge take?
About 2h 40m to the summit of Goatfell and 4h 0m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge?
The Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge starts from Cladach, near Brodick Castle. The grid reference is NS 010 376.
Is the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge today?
By 13:14 at the latest. Sunset on Goatfell today is 18:14, The Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge takes about 4h 0m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Cladach (Brodick) via the east ridge?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).