Scotland – Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail, Isle of Arran
Distance: 17km/10½ miles
Time: 6hrs
Type: Glen and mountain
Where: Circular walk from Glen Rosa, climbing Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail.
Start/End: End of Glen Rosa Road (NS004368).
Terrain: Excellent paths and tracks through glen and over mountains. Some steep ascents and descents and a high-level ridge walk.
Maps: OS Explorer 361; Landranger 69.
There is something special about combining island walking with climbing mountains. Goat Fell is the obvious mountain to climb when on Arran, but Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail also provide a wonderful walk with astounding views of Scotland’s celebrated west coast. The initial walk through Glen Rosa’s natural amphitheatre is stunning, as is the steep climb to Cir Mhor’s compact summit. Good paths line the route, which, from Cir Mhor, hugs the ridge line above Glen Sannox and climbs to the bouldery plateau of Caisteal Abhail. On a clear day, Northern Ireland, Mull and Ben Nevis are all visible. The descent follows the route of ascent to the col below Cir Mhor, and then you retrace your footsteps to the end of Glen Rosa Road to catch the bus back to Brodick.
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