This horseshoe is one of the classic Arran walks, taking in a semicircle of high ridges running between Beinn Nuis, Beinn Tarsuinn and Beinn a’Chliabhain. Starting in Glen Rosa, this is a perfect day out as an introduction into the northern hills, with stunning views that stretch out over the western hills, taking in the lowlands of the south of
Arran and the majestic peaks and ridges of the highest northern hills.
Overview
Distance 15km
Highest Point Gained 826m – Beinn Tarsuinn
Total Ascent 965m
Walk Duration 8hrs
Terrain Head for heights required - ridges with steep drops.
Rough mountain paths, boggy moorland, hands-on clambering, steep sections with loose rock underfoot.
Technical Rating Moderate
Endurance Rating 3
Cost £25
Date Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May 2025
Meeting Time 08:15
Meeting Place Glen Rosa
Walk description
The route climbs steeply up alongside the Garbh Allt, flattens out across moorland before crossing the stream and heading uphill again. The ascent has the added interest of threading around and over boulders and slabs to reach the summit of Beinn Nuis, the first of the Three Beinns. From there, the walk follows the ridge round to Beinn Tarsuinn, now gently undulating.
Just before the summit, the characterful Old Man of Tarsuinn is encountered, an outcrop naturally sculpted into a human profile, which appears to look out to sea over Brodick. There is then a steep descent to Bealach an Fhir-bhogha with some hands-on rock clambering and negotiation of substantial boulders before the path turns onto
gentler terrain and follows a grassy ridge up to Beinn a'Chliabhain. From the rocky tors of the last of the three Beinns, the trail heads back down onto the moor and rejoins the Garbh Allt to descend back into Glen Rosa.
This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.