Glen Sannox to Glen Rosa via the Saddle Arran

Glen Sannox, The Saddle & Cir Mhor

A fabulous walk on Arran today walking up Glen Sannox, over The Saddle and back down Glen Rosa to Brodick.
After a jam packed bus trip we got dropped off at Sannox about 15 minutes behind schedule, important as time was tight due to Calmac only operating one ferry instead of the scheduled two. Don’t want to miss the 16.40 by 5 minutes and wait 2 and a half hours to the next ferry.
It was a lovely walk up Glen Sannox only interrupted by the cascading waters and the call of the cuckoo, quite delightful.
Our objective, The Saddle, is in our sights along with Cir Mhor, a Corbett I have scheduled for next month but not today.

Lava like rock of Cir Mhor

The rock formation of Cir Mhor look amazing, almost like ripples of lava, steely grey and black, looking like the very old rock it is.

Head of Glen Sannox

There is a good recently renovated track following the burn and there are great views as you feel hemmed in by the mighty mountains.
An hours walk and we reach the scramble territory. Yesterday's rain has created running water in parts and very wet and slippy rocks for our scrambling. The semi track is frequently lost and found as we scramble upwards, hands and feet a must.

Whin Dyke scrambling time

We reach the chimney section, also known as the Whin Dyke, a steep gully scramble. For a short section it felt like a full on rock climb. Wet slippy smooth rock affording little grip. For short legs like mine some interesting haul up positions. For all that it was not scary, just effort and fun but it got the adrenaline going. 

Looking back Glen Sannox

A 40 minute haul up from the glen and we are on the Saddle and time for lunch and also have a good look at the close by notorious Witches Step. A lady comes down from North Goatfell and we have a chat. Cir Mohr’s upper flanks are right beside us, a scree scramble, it is a pity to be so close but there will be another day.

Glen Rosa

On the way down we meet another solo lady who has just done Tarsuinn and A’Chir which she found scary, it has a reputation, brave lady.

Cir Mhor & Witches step behind

And now a long but gentle walk down Glen Rosa with good views of Goatfell and looking back at Cir Mhor, the jagged Witches Step beyond looks a lot more formidable.

The Falls

Further down the glen a fenced off section of the burn with some deep gorges and waterfalls, crystal clear water, a good place for a final rest and look back.
We walked back to Brodick and made the boat with half an hour to spare.
Disappointing wildlife day. We saw a small herd of deer but not convinced that they were wild. A kestrel and the cuckoo about it.
Still a superb day to be repeated.

Time: 4.38
Ascent: 539m
Distance: 16.4km