Three Beinns Horseshoe

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 17th & Monday 20th May 2024
Meeting Time - 08:30
Meeting Place - Glen Rosa campsite

WALK DESCRIPTION
The route climbs steeply up alongside the Garbh Allt burn, flattens out across moorland before the path heads uphill again, 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 stream to descend back into Glen Rosa.
Along the way, there is a good chance of spying mountain wildlife, from birds of prey and raven soaring high in the thermals to the abundant red deer grazing the sheltered slopes and corries.

This walk is organised by the Arran Mountain Festival, a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC 052229, supported by Auchrannie Leisure Ltd.