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Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa

By Ian Tupman   

on April 23, 2018    5/5 (2)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Isle of Arran, Scotland

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa

Route Essentials

Route Summary

A relatively straight forward linear route through two of Arran’s most impressive glens.

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

15.67 km

Ascent

510 m

Time

5-6 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Sannox /Brodick ferry terminal

Difficulty

Hard Walk

Hazards

Some loose and greasy rock on the ascent to The Saddle from Glen Sannox.

Weather Forecast:

MetOffice Goatfell forecast  or MWIS West Highlands forecast

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa

A linear route on the Isle of Arran linking Sannox and Brodick via two of the largest glens on the island with an interesting geological feature on route.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

From the ferry terminal, take the 324 (via north island) bus and ask for Glen Cottage at Sannox.

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa
Glen Cottage and the start of the route

Pass through the gate to the left of the cottage. Continue on the good path to the graveyard on the left where lies the body of Edwin Rose and a tale of murder and intrigue.

From the graveyard, continue on the track, passing through a gate and cross the Sannox burn via the footbridge. The path rises away from the burn and the glen opens up ahead.

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa
Turn right at the trees and cross the bridge

Red deer can often be seen on either side of the glen and golden eagles have been spotted as well.

The good path eventually begins to climb beneath the east face of Cir Mhor with seemingly no exit from the glen. However, after scrambling up some loose rock, the route reaches the base of Winn Dyke, an igneous intrusion of volcanic rock. Erosion has left the harder rock standing proud and it forms a series of steps. In dry conditions it is an easy scramble up the middle of the gulley but if wet, it is probably safer (and easier) to keep to the left hand side.

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa
Winn Dyke

Do not climb all the way to the top of the gulley but look for an exit on the left which leads up a stony path, emerging onto less steep ground at The Saddle.

The Saddle is a good place for a refreshment stop as the large rocks provide shelter from the wind from all directions. There are good views back down Glen Sannox to the coast and down Glen Rosa.

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa
The view back down Glen Sannox

Leaving The Saddle, the path heads due south and descends to the floor of Glen Rosa where it continues alongside Glenrosa Water.

Walk through Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa
Glen Rosa from The Saddle

After passing through a fenced area (to protect the native trees from deer), continue until the bridge which crosses Garbh Alt. This is another good spot for a rest and in hot weather the chilly water may provide some relief for tired feet.

After crossing the bridge continue on the track, passing the camp site on the left. Stay on the surfaced road now until it joins the main B880. Turn left and then right at the junction with the A842 and walk the remaining distance into Brodick.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

A relatively straight forward linear route through two of Arran’s most impressive glens.

Route Start Location: Sannox /Brodick ferry terminal

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
15.67 km 510 m 5-6 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Hard Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

The usual facilities are to be found in Brodick but none en

Hazards

Some loose and greasy rock on the ascent to The Saddle from Glen Sannox.

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : Not applicable

Not applicable

Public Transport:

Ferries to the Isle of Arran are operated all year (subject to weather) by Calmac

The bus timetable on Arran (Mar 2018) revolves around the ferries and if making a day visit from the mainland, be sure not to miss the last boat!

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

MetOffice Goatfell forecast  or MWIS West Highlands forecast

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

Guidebooks:

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Ian Tupman

Ian lives In Ardrossan and being only a fifty five minutes ferry crossing to Brodick, the Isle of Arran is his ‘back yard’. He knows the mountains of the north of the island well and has walked every permutation of routes over the various summits. He is now spending more time further north exploring the Cairngorms, the far north-west and the mountains of the west of Scotland.

More Posts by Ian Tupman

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