Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire, Scotland
Arran is 'Scotland in miniature' — granite mountains, standing stones, golden eagle and beautiful coastal paths all within 20 miles of Glasgow. Goatfell (874 m) is the defining challenge. RambleMetric tells you when to go.
About Isle of Arran — Goatfell
RambleMetric is a real-time conditions app for Goatfell and the Isle of Arran — Scotland's 'miniature Highlands'. Arran packs an extraordinary variety of landscape into a small island: granite mountain peaks, ancient standing stones and excellent coastal walking, all accessible by CalMac ferry from Ardrossan.
Goatfell (874 m) is a serious mountain — the north ridge is a Grade 1 scramble with significant exposure. Foul weather can arrive rapidly from the sea in all directions. The ferry from Ardrossan may not operate in severe weather — always check CalMac before travelling. Mobile signal is absent above 400 m on the mountain.
Walking Routes
Check the live Visit Score before you set out — conditions here change fast.
From Brodick Castle car park to the 874 m summit — rocky paths, exposed upper ridge and genuine mountain conditions. Full mountain gear required. Do not attempt in strong wind or poor visibility.
Plan Your Visit
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Key Features
Arran has a resident population of golden eagles — the north of the island has the best chance of a sighting from the mountain ridges. White-tailed eagles were reintroduced and can also be seen.
A remarkable concentration of Bronze Age stone circles on the west coast — one of Scotland's finest prehistoric sites. Free access, 15 km from Brodick by road.
The Ardrossan–Brodick crossing takes 55 minutes — the ferry may be cancelled in strong westerly winds. Always check the CalMac website before travelling.
Live Data
All data is fetched from authoritative UK sources and recalculated every few minutes.
Safety Information
The main Goatfell path from Brodick is a well-made stony track — but it is steep and the summit is a mountain requiring appropriate equipment. The north ridge to Cir Mhòr is a serious scramble suitable only for experienced hill walkers. Check CalMac ferry services before travelling — ferries can be cancelled in severe weather. Book the return ferry in advance in summer. Midges are present on Arran in summer.
All data, scores and recommendations are for informational purposes only. The Visit Score is an algorithmic estimate — not a substitute for your own judgement, local knowledge or official guidance.
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