Goatfell caters for every grade of hillwalker.
If you are not too experienced and wanting to dip your feet in the water, then there is what I call the Tourist route, which starts in Brodick Castle grounds, and heads up the Mountain from the South. If you arent too experienced though and the clouds come down when you are not too far from the summit, then wait a few moments for it to clear or turn back as the path can be a little tricky to find when you get closer to the summit.
My favourite way however is as follows (only bagging North Goatfell, and Goatfell, but I like it) . Take your tent and camp in Glen Rosa overnight, but be careful where you pitch, as the campsite can bog down very easilly in heavy rain.
Set off in the morning, for a nice walk up Glen Rosa untill you reach the top of the saddle. The views down both Glen Rosa & Glen Sannox are fantastic (see my avatar). You should also spot quite a few Deer on the way up to the saddle. Once you have stopped taking in the scenery, turn right and start walking up the ridge towards North Goatfell. Take good care on this part of the walk, as in the Winter/Spring, the snow melting can make this ridge very loose and even redirect the path to an extent. It is also quite steep on the approach to North Goatfell, so take your time and admire the scenery which is breathtaking.
Once on North Goatfell, you shall see the summit of Goatfell, and if it is in the Summer, you shall be able make out the flip flop brigade running around the summit. (You get loads of kids going over for summer holiday camping).
From North Goatfell you now head South to Goatfell, it can be a bit of a scramble, so take it easy.
Once on the top of Goatfell, the views are stunning. The clouds have a habit of coming down on me every time I am up there, but there are plenty of places to shelter on and around the summit. You will even see the ferry that took you over to Arran, sailing into Brodick, like a tiny wee model in the distance.
From the summit, follow the tourist track East, then South down towards the Castle. You cannot miss this track, it is engrained on the landscape now.
Once down in the Castle grounds, there are a few standing stones in the fields as you walk past. If you are intending going straight back to Glen Rosa campsite, then I would advise heading West before you are out of the Castle Grounds, and walkign towards Glen Rosa again, then crossing the stream. Take caution though, and think back to what the stream was like in the morning, it can be very fast flowing at times.
However, your best bet, is actually to head back into Brodick, find a pub, and toast your cracking day in the Hills, before walking back to your tent in the Dark!!!!
There are even more options to ascending Goatfell, so it really is a mountain for all. Experienced, or novice, there is a way up there for you, and a nice pint waiting for you on your return.
(Written by: willmurray)