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- The rock formations coming off Tarsuinn
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- The archway
This is a great walk. It took us 6 hours moving at a steady, but not speedy, pace. There is so much to see that rushing is not worthwhile. For the more gentle walker I would do it clockwise from Glen Rosa as the descent from Tarsuinn towards Chliabhain is quite steep and easier down than up, in my opinion.
Taking a left as soon as you cross the first bridge in Glen Rosa, the next half mile or so is pretty strongly uphill beside the Garth Allt burn. Once up that slope and through the second deer fence the ground is very boggy for quite a distance. It’s just wet, not troublesome. At the third deer fence it looks like you should head left towards big style over a deer fence, also as a means of crossing the Garth Allt. Resist this temptation and stay on the path on the north bank. After a short while the path through the burn is well defined and a fun crossing. It’s generally easier walking.
A little after this the path dries and heads up Nuis. This section is slightly taxing but generally manageable. The views from the top of Nuis is excellent. The path from there to Tarsuinn is easy and filled with spectacular rock formations and the views to south to Loch Ryan, west to Islay and beyond, north to Loch Fyne and east to the Goatfell ridge are gorgeous.
After descending steeply from Tarsuinn still following the ridge, and before A’Chir starts, the path down to the right to Chliabhain is obvious. There are two paths either side of a rock formation. The first of these is more fun, taking you through an interesting arch. The path down from there is easy and spectacular over the summit of Chliabhain. There is a wonderful natural seat on the very edge of Rosa to sit and have your snack. A while after the descent starts you cross the same bog and then rejoin the path beside Garth Allt just at the second deer fence.
Parking as we did well into Glen Rosa saves you time either end, if you can. If you have to walk from Brodick it is easy walking but probably adds half an hour at each end.
