Glen Rosa – a walk on the wild side

 | Overview

Technical Rating

Moderate  

Easy scrambling, elements of exposure, some rough terrain.

Endurance Rating

2  

Long distance, some steep ascent and descent, moderate amount of stamina needed in bursts, suitable for reasonably fit walkers. Have had recent experience of walking for 5-7 hours? Have you recently walked up (and down) hills without physical too much distress? 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.

 | Photo Gallery

 | Walk description

Climbing steeply up a forest track onto the pathless moorland above Glen Rosa, incredible views of the glaciated valley and Arran’s northern mountains soon open up. The walk continues off the beaten track across boggy and heathery moorland, increasing chances encountering mountain wildlife.

Having reached the foot of Coire a’Bhradain, the walk then follows the rushing waters of the Garbh Allt across the moor to steeply descend back into the main glen by means of a rocky path. Here, results of the National Trust for Scotland’s conservation efforts to reinstate upland woodlands, including some of the rarest trees in the world, the Arran whitebeams, can be seen. Nature has shaped and people have used and changed the glen for millennia. The knowledgeable ranger guide will reveal the stories of the glen’s rich natural and cultural history, the traces of which can easily be overlooked.

Finally, an easy track leads back to the start of the route, providing more opportunity to spot wildlife and geological features along the way.

Route Profile

 | Advised Kit List