Goat Fell
| Goat Fell | |||
| Buteshire | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Goat Fell from Brodick harbour | |||
| Isle of Arran | |||
| Summit: | 2,867 feet NR991415 55°37’32"N, 5°11’33"W | ||
Goat Fell (or Goatfell) is the highest point on the Isle of Arran and in all of Buteshire, climbing to its summit at 2,866 feet above sea level. Goat Fell is one of four hills above 2,000 feet on the island. The fell and nearby Brodick Castle are owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
The fell’s name is believed to mean either 'Mountain of Wind' (from the Gaelic gaoth) or simply 'Goat Mountain'.
Ascent
Goat Fell is a very popular peak amongst those visiting the island, billed as "Scotland in miniature".
There are many possible routes of ascent up Goat Fell, some of which may be combined with visits to the summits of other nearby peaks. The most commonly used route, a constructed path just under three miles long, starts from near Brodick Castle in Cladach. Initially the path leads up through the forested grounds of the castle, passing many rhododendron bushes. The tree-line stops at about 1,000 feet above sea level, above which the path continues through bare moorland, reaching the summit by way of the east ridge of the mountain.
An alternative, shorter and steeper route comes up from the village of Corrie. 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 easy scrambling as it passes over Cìoch na h-Òighe (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 Cìr Mhòr. The right-of-way between Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox passes over The Saddle.
There is a viewpoint table at the summit. On a clear day Ulster may be seen.
Historical note
In July 1889, John Laurie of Coatbridge was convicted of the murder of Edwin Rose on Goat Fell, Laurie accused of robbing Rose on the way down from the summit and battering or hurling him to his death before burying the body under rocks. Laurie confessed to stealing Rose’s clothes and possessions, but the conviction for murder has raised doubt ever since about whether Laurie murdered Rose or simply robbed and concealed his body after Rose slipped on the climb.[1]
Outside links
- Goat Fell - National Trust for Scotland
- Computer-generated virtual panoramas North South Index
References
- ↑ Craig Howie (2005-10-10). "Mountain-top death: Did he slip or was he pushed?". The Scotsman. http://heritage.scotsman.com/notoriouscriminalsfeatureseries/Mountaintop-death-Did-he-slip.2668374.jp.