Sannox Horseshoe

Summary

This classic but very challenging route makes a circuit of the mountains surrounding Glen Sannox. Ascending via a classic scramble up Cioch na h-Oighe, the route descends loose ground to the Saddle before an extremely steep climb up to the dramatic peak of Cìr Mhòr. The route then crosses the granite tors of Caisteal Abhail before further scrambling leads down to the Witches' Step, which is bypassed before the final section of ridge and return across the moor.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Very challenging, with a good deal of scrambling and also loose rock on many sections. Careful navigation essential.

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.

Getting there

Start

Car park either side of the Sannox Burn bridge.

Public Transport

Bus to Sannox.

Start Grid Ref

NS015454

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 9 - 12 hours
Ascent: 1693m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Cir Mhor
Corbett: Caisteal Abhail

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The route starts from the car park at Sannox; there is also a bus stop here. The slopes of the first objective - Cioch na-Oighe - look intimidatingly steep. Begin by crossing to take a lane opposite signed for 'Glen Sannox'. The track soon becomes a path and swings right. As the path rises and curves round there are views to the rugged Caisteal Abhail, the final major summit on the days walk - there's a lot to do before you reach there! As the path reaches the start of a line of beech trees, ignore the path off down to a footbridge on the right, instead continuing into the glen past ruined mine workings. The Allt a' Chapuill burn is soon reached; don't cross, instead take a faint path running up the left bank.

Stage 2

The path is narrow and overgrown, but reasonably easy to follow. As the path soon leads above a deep gorge. Further on the path and burn meet once more at a suitable crossing. Cross here, and on the far side the path forks almost immediately take the left fork to rejoin the Allt a' Chapuill, following it uphill. The path is obvious but boggy at times. At around 240m (2.2km from the start of the walk) near the foot of the corrie, branch right away onto a path - faint and indistinct at first, but becoming clearer - that makes a rising traverse across onto the lower part of the Cioch na h-Oighe ridge.

Stage 3

The path cuts across the ridge; when directly north of the summit, an awkward initial scramble up slabs begins the ascent proper - an arrow scratched onto the rocks at this point may help. The path appears to continue traversing into Glen Sannox at this point (but leads nowhere). Once above the initial slabs, the path winds to and fro to find the easiest passage, up to the summit of Cioch na h-Oighe - the Maiden's Breast. From here descend briefly on the Sannox side to avoid an overhang before continuing along the initially narrow, airy and exposed ridge, though the scrambling is not as hard as that first slab. The ridge then broadens out and leads onto Mullach Buidhe.

Stage 4

Continue across a bealach, taking the steep path to head up to the top of North Goatfell (the left hand path bypasses this peak en route for Goatfell). From the top of North Goat Fell there are sensational views over to the dramatic peak of Cir Mhor, with Caisteal Abhail to its right. From here the descent to the Saddle requires great care. The route down is bouldery at first, with some exposure; the route then continues down crumbling granite with simple scrambling - but a good deal of loose rock and scree. Eventually it leads down to the Saddle - a pass between Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox. This is a possible place to break the route; the descent to Glen Sannox is a scramble down a rocky dyke initially, but has a good path once this section is passed, leading back to the start; the descent on the Glen Rosa side is much easier.

Stage 5

The ascent of Cìr Mhòr is intimidatingly steep. The initial slopes are straightforward enough but the going soon becomes steeper and more awkward, with again a lot of loose, scrambly rocks and scree, though recent pathwork and erosion control have improved things a little. Once above this a clear path leads up a much easier section before the difficulties resume with the final craggy slopes. The route passes to the south (left) side of the summit before doubling back up to reach the top of Cir Mhòr - this section would be much trickier to navigate in the reverse direction. With its central position and spectacular pyramidal form, this is the finest of the Arran hills, and must rank as one of the finest of all the Corbetts.

Stage 6

A path leads from the summit and down to the bealach between it and Caisteal Abhail. This is one of the few parts of the day that offer easier walking, though there are still plenty of dramatic drops around - not to mention amazing views looking back to Cìr Mhòr.

Stage 7

Continue up onto Caisteal Abhail, the top of which has several large granite tors - known as the Castles. The summit stands atop one of these, most easily reached via a path which passes round the left side from which it can be readily ascended. The view back over Cir Mhòr to Goat Fell and Beinn Tarsuinn beyond is awe-inspiring.

Stage 8

The easiest descent route is along the ridge over Carn Mòr and down to Sail an Im, crossing the burn (could be a problem in spate) just above the forestry and then following the path down to North Sannox; however this ends a long way from the start. To complete the loop, instead descend the east ridge. There are several sections of easy scrambling - often bypassed to the right - as the path descends and then climbs up over a pinaccled section.

Stage 9

From here there is a very steep rocky descent down to Ceum na Caillich (the Witches' Step), with great care needed. From the gap, the ascent up the far side, however, is a rock-climb, and hence outside the scope of Walkhighlands. Instead descend to the left from the gap down a gully until a worn route leads off to the right. With some easy scrambling, this climbs inelegantly back to the ridge beyond the Witches' Step.A good path now leads along the enjoyably narrow ridge, crossing a gap and a minor summit (with great views back) before leading on to the rocky top of Suidhe Fhearghas. The path now descends to the north; once easier ground is reached follow the right hand branch path eastwards to reach an old mine above lower Glen Sannox. From here continue southeast to reach the Sannox burn, following it to a bridge. Cross this to rejoin the outward route, continuing down the far side of the burn to return to the start.

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