Three Beinns Walk, Glen Rosa

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A high mountain horseshoe circuit - taking in the Corbett Beinn Tarsuinn - encircling the bleak moorland of Coire a'Bhradain above Glen Rosa.

Terrain

Rough bouldery paths, boggy in Coire a'Bhradain. Starts and ends on a good track through Glen Rosa.

Public Transport

Bus to start of minor road up Glen Rosa.

Start

Limited parking near end of public road past Glen Rosa campsite. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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There are 7 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 949m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NS000376

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Tarsuinn

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Head into the glen from the campsite at the end of the surfaced road. There is limited parking here, so an approach via public transport is thoroughly recommended; alternatively you could park at the Cladach Centre and join the route by following the Glen Rosa walk. Continue along the track with views of some of Arran's most popular peaks ahead - massive Goatfell on the right joined to angular Cir Mhr via The Saddle at the head of the glen, and the Witch's Step beyond above Glen Sannox. Cross the footbridge over Garbh Allt and turn immediately left up a rocky path running parallel to the burn. Pass through a kissing gate to reach the wide tussocked expanse of Coire a'Bhradain with the full horseshoe ridge in view ahead.

Stage 2

The rough path has potential to be boggy and occasionally braided as walkers forge their own way through the terrain. Enter another fenced enclosure - erected to facilitate the reintroduction of native woodland in the steep gorge - and look out for a steep narrow path leading to a ford across the burn with a scramble up the far side. Head for the kissing gate in the fence and begin a gentle ascent of the moorland before reaching a more challenging path threading around and over the boulders and slabs to reach the summit of Beinn Nuis, the first Beinn of the route.

Stage 3

Descend into the gap beyond the summit and make a short detour west to find the ruins of the B-24D Liberator that crashed into the hillside on 20th August 1943 resulting in the death of all ten personnel onboard. Regain the rocky ridge on an obvious path, occasionally bearing left to avoid some scrambling over the rocky outcrops. 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.

Stage 4

Continue onwards to the twin summits of the second Beinn - Tarsuinn - with panoramic views in all directions. The steep descent to Bealach an Fhir-bhogha is far from easy, with a certain amount of scrambling and negotiation of substantial boulders. A worn path is occasionally visible, but as much of the route involves rock slabs it's best to pick the path that appears most sensible. From the bealach turn right and head downhill, again along a narrow, steep path, to arrive on the ridge above Coire Daingean with Beinn a'Chliabhain ahead. Follow the path along the grassy ridge, before forking left to ascend toward the summit. A clearer path heading right traverses well below the summit so don't miss the turning....

Stage 5

A minimal ascent is rewarded with a grassy summit ridge punctuated by rocky slabs which make ideal picnic tables. Continue along the ridge path, rejoin the alternative path and begin the descent into Coire a'Bhradain. Pass the cairn on Cnoc Breac as the gradient begins to ease and the path crosses the moist moorland once again. Rejoin the outward path at the kissing gate above Garbh Allt and proceed downhill alongside the tumbling waterfalls to emerge on the familiar track in Glen Rosa. Turn right to return to the campsite.

Route: Phil Turner

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