Marilyn · Arran
Beinn Tarsuinn
Transverse Hill, a 556m granite top forming the western wall of Glen Rosa on Arran. Despite sitting in the shadow of A'Chir and Cir Mhor, it offers one of the finest mid-grade summits on Arran with serious views of the Sleeping Warrior skyline.
Quick facts
- Height
- 555.9m/ 1824ft
- Grid ref
- NR 93072 45169
- Nearest city
- Glasgow· 69km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 50% · granite rock 35% · grass slopes 15%
From Glen Rosa, gain the col below Beinn a'Chliabhain, then follow the broad heather ridge north-west to the summit. Around 14km return with 800m of ascent; budget five to six hours and take care of the ankle-twisting boulders near the top.
Terrain
Glen Rosa's stalkers' path is excellent for the first few kilometres; thereafter rough granite slabs, heather and exposed bedrock. The summit area is awkward boulder-strewn ground.
In winter
A genuine winter outing — snow accumulates in the corries from December and ice forms readily on the granite. Ridge crossings can be exposed to north-westerly gales sweeping in from the Atlantic.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 44m
- Edinburgh5h 29m
Ferry access
Ardrossan → Brodick
- Crossing time55 min
- Summer sailingsUp to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct)
- Winter sailings3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar)
- Book ahead7 days
- Last ferry backCheck CalMac timetable — last departure varies seasonally
Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
Book on CalMac ↗OS maps: OS Landranger 62, OS Landranger 69, OS Explorer 361N
Mobile signal: Poor. Glen Rosa loses signal quickly; the summit has no coverage. Plan accordingly.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:37
- Sunset
- 22:07
- Civil dawn
- 03:36
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Beinn Tarsuinn on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Ardrossan Harbour station
Ferry to Brodick (Arran) — Goat Fell, Arran ridge
29km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Brodick
Arran base — Goat Fell, Glen Rosa, the Arran ridge
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Arran
Lochranza — northern Arran; revived in 1995; rich sherried releases
6km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Beinn Tarsuinn — common questions
- How hard is Beinn Tarsuinn?
- Beinn Tarsuinn is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Glen Rosa's stalkers' path is excellent for the first few kilometres; thereafter rough granite slabs, heather and exposed bedrock.
- When is the best time to climb Beinn Tarsuinn?
- The standard good-weather months for Beinn Tarsuinn are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Beinn Tarsuinn?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Beinn Tarsuinn?
- Poor. Glen Rosa loses signal quickly; the summit has no coverage. Plan accordingly.
- How do I get the ferry to Beinn Tarsuinn?
- Ardrossan → Brodick. Up to 6 sailings daily (Apr–Oct) in summer; 3–4 sailings daily (Nov–Mar) in winter. Book at least 7 days ahead. Foot passengers welcome without booking. Book vehicle space well in advance in summer. A seasonal alternative runs Claonaig → Lochranza (30 min) in summer.
- Is Beinn Tarsuinn safe in winter?
- A genuine winter outing — snow accumulates in the corries from December and ice forms readily on the granite. Ridge crossings can be exposed to north-westerly gales sweeping in from the Atlantic.
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