Tour Scotland, Glen Rosa

The Isle of Arran is located in a perfect setting in the Firth of Clyde. To the west, across the Kilbrennan Sound, is the Kintyre peninsula, to the east, across the Firth of Clyde, is the Ayrshire coast and to the north, across the Sound of Bute, is the Isle of Bute. Direct access from the
mainland is by way of the ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick. This town, the island’s ‘capital’ is built above the
perfect little bay of the same name about mid-way up the eastern coast. Glen Rosa, one of Scotland’s most attractive glens, runs north-west from Brodick before turning north.

Small trout abound in the clear waters of the little river Rosa and no roadway mars the perfection of its setting. The wide valley mouth above Brodick is graced on its northern face by Brodick Castle which is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It was once stormed by the armies of Robert the Bruce and he later used it as a base for the mainland campaign which terminated at Bannockburn in 1314.

The castle stands almost in the shadow of Goat Fell which is the highest of all the mountains of Arran. Also owned by the National Trust, it is climbed by a steep
but not too difficult ascent. From its summit can be seen parts of three countries, England, Scotland and Ireland. Because of its more gentle attractions, coupled with a height of 2,866 feet, Goat Fell is one of the most popular of Scottish mountains for tourists who wish to gain beautiful viewpoints but who are not expert climbers.

Glen Rosa’s northern reaches are ended by the approach to the lovely mountain of Cir Mhor. In rugged splendour it rises from the valley floor as part of the saddle which separates Glen Rosa, Glen lorsa and Glen Sannox. Rising up in solitary magnificence to 2,618 feet, Cir Mhor in turn is surpassed by neighbouring Caisteal Abhail (2.735 feet). To the right on the way back down Glen Rosa can be seen the heights of Beinn Tarsuinn (2,706 feet) and Beinn Nuis (2,597 feet) which overlook the lovely lorsa Water. This range reaches its southern extremity at An Tunna overlooking the road that crosses the island from Brodick to Blackwaterfoot.

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