The 2025 Arran Mountain Festival programme will be published soon, with booking lines opening later this year. Take a look at the 2024 programme for an idea of what will be on offer, and sign up to our mailing list to be alerted to booking lines opening.


Cir Mhor & Beinn a’Chliabhain

Cir Mhor is an iconic Arran peak dominating the view up Glen Rosa. It is sometimes known as Arran’s Matterhorn, with good reason. It is the lowest of Arran’s four Corbetts, but its very steep ascent still packs a punch!

 | Overview

Distance
15km

Highest Point Gained
799m - Cir Mhor

Total Ascent
1030m

Walk Duration
8hrs

Terrain
Rough mountain paths, steep ascents and descents with loose gravelly rock underfoot. Hands-on rock clambering up the Whin Dyke chimney. Head for heights required for Cir Mhor’s lofty summit.

Technical Rating
Challenging  
Exposed scrambling, head for heights required, rough terrain.

Endurance Rating
4  
Sustained steep ascents and descents, stamina and perseverance essential to cover long distances. Have you recently walked up (and down) a mountain of over 1000m (3000ft) in height within 8 hours without physical distress! Are you generally fitter than the majority of your peers? If your answer is "No", we'd guess you'd be happier doing a walk rated a level lower than the one you’ve just read! As noted previously, we're into FUN so we don't want you to miss out by overdoing it.

Cost
£35

Date
Friday 17 May 2024

Meeting Time
9.00am

Meeting Place

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

The walk starts gently on a meandering path along Glen Sannox which then reveals a short steep section at the head of the glen and some hands-on scrambling up the Whin Dyke to reach the Saddle, with fine views down Glen Rosa.

The route then turns up a steep path to the summit of Cir Mhor, giving more fabulous panoramic views of Arran’s mountains. From the summit the route descends and skirts around the base of A’Chir to reach Bowman’s Pass and Consolation Tor.

Next are the delightful slabs along the ridge of Beinn a’Chliabhain. From the summit the rocky path leads across a section of moorland and then down the steep Garbh Allt to Glen Rosa. From here, a track leads to the finish by Glen Rosa campsite.


Route Profile


 | Advised Kit List

Essential hill gear

  • NO jeans – anyone wearing jeans will not be allowed to start the walk, and no refund will be possible
  • Stout hill walking boots
  • Appropriate walking trousers, top layers and fleece – preferably no cotton layers
  • Waterproof (not showerproof) trousers
  • Waterproof (not showerproof) jacket
  • Spare layers
  • Woollen or fleece hat
  • Gloves
  • Packed lunch and drink - please consider the use of re-useable water bottles and food wrapping.
  • Any personal medicines

Other recommended kit

  • Sun cream and insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Spare socks
  • Blister plasters


The 2025 Arran Mountain Festival programme will be published soon, with booking lines opening later this year. Take a look at the 2024 programme for an idea of what will be on offer, and sign up to our mailing list to be alerted to booking lines opening.