Cìr Mhòr and Beinn Tarsuinn

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Summary

This route ascends the two Corbetts on the west side of Glen Rosa, bypassing the A' Chir ridge and culminating with the ascent of Cìr Mhòr - a fine peak which must rank amongst the most impressive Scottish mountains.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Rough bouldery mountain paths, rocky in parts, some boggy sections. Starts and ends on a good track through Glen Rosa.

Public Transport

Bus to start of minor road up Glen Rosa.

Start

Near end of public road and Glen Rosa campsite - limited (and popular) parking. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.25km / 10.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7.5 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1164m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS000376

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Tarsuinn
Corbett: Cìr Mhòr

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (15)

Stage 1

At the end of the surfaced public road up Glen Rosa is a small parking area. This also serves the campsite here and walks up popular Glen Rosa so it is often full, either get here early, use the bus and walk up the Glen Rosa road or park at the Cladach Centre and join the route by following the Glen Rosa walk. Start by walking along the track which soon descends out of the trees to provide good views of some of Arran's most popular peaks ahead - massive Goatfell on the right joined to angular Cìr Mhòr via The Saddle at the head of the glen. Go through the gate and continue up the glen. After just over 2km cross the footbridge over Garbh Allt and continue just round the corner and then turn left to climb steeply on a path running parallel to the burn.

Stage 2

About 1km after the previous kissing gate go through another (this one to protect tree growth around the small gorge) and keep immediately right to follow a small path next to the fence. After a short distance the path descends steeply and crosses the burn before a rocky scramble up the path on the far side. Aim for the kissing gate and then climb gently NW over boggy ground with only a faint path in places. As the ground steepens the path divides into several options as the climb becomes more challenging over slabs and between boulders. After the 600m height is reached keep to the right edge of the ridge where pathwork provides an easier route and there are great views of Beinn Nuis ahead. Before the final steep summit approach, the path traverses to the right of the ridgeline briefly.

Stage 3

A final steep pull brings you to the small summit cairn of Beinn Nuis. From here the ridge walk to Beinn Tarsuinn provides some of the most enjoyable walking of the day. Descend into the gap beyond the summit and follow the rocky right on the obvious path, occasionally bearing left on sections of path between rocks to avoid the scramble on the true ridge. Just before the final ascent to the summit of Beinn Tarsuinn look out for the Old Man of Tarsuinn on the right, an outcrop naturally sculpted into a human profile and appearing to look out to sea over Brodick. Continue to the twin summits of Beinn Tarsuinn, the second (more northerly) being the highest; there are panoramic views in all directions.

Stage 4

The steep descent towards Bealach an Fhir-bhogha is far from easy, with a certain amount of scrambling and negotiation of substantial boulders. A worn path is visible in places between rock slabs but there are some large steps between easier sections with a few bits of constructed path. A small cairn marks the bealach where the path forks. The right branch sticks to the ridge line, leading up towards A' Chir. The traverse of this ridge, however, is a graded rock climb and is therefore outside the scope of routes covered on Walkhighlands; instead take the left branch, which contours the western side of A'Chir - losing some height to avoid the difficulties; there is one slabby section. The ridge is regained at the northern end of A'Chir, and a good path then leads up towards Cir Mhòr - the most straightforward approach to this dramatic peak.

Stage 5

The tiny summit of Cìr Mhòr is reached with a small scramble, and gives spectacular airy views, especially across the Saddle to the Goatfell range. Any descent to the Saddle involves more scrambling and some tricky navigation initially (it starts by retracing steps slightly and then passing south of the summit); if you did wish to link this route to Goatfell, it would better be done in reverse to instead climb up this slope to Cir Mhor. Our route down is much simpler; retrace your steps down the path to the A' Chir bealach, and then branch left onto a good path that descends into Fionn Choire.

Stage 6

This path leads down into Glen Rosa. There are superb views along the way, with the Rosa Pinnacle appearing as a remarkable tower of rock. At the floor of the glen a path descending from the Saddle is joined; follow this southwards for the straightforward walk down the glen. Looking back, Cir Mhòr is finally seen in its true, elegant proportions. Eventually the outward route is rejoined; continue along the glen to return to the Glen Rosa campsite and the start.

Route Profile

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