Glen Rosa, Arran

Arran’s miniature version of Skye’s Fairy Pools, Glen Rosa has a couple of small sections of river deep enough to swim in.

The Blue Pool is a tiny plunge pool beneath a wee waterfall on Glenrosa Water. It’s a beautiful place to dip, with spectacular views up the glen towards Goatfell, Arran’s highest mountain. On blue-sky days, the water really does look incredibly blue. If you get the spot to yourself, it’s a little slice of river pool paradise.

Further downstream is another lovely little pool beneath a wooden bridge which isn’t as deep as the Blue Pool but is still large enough for a dip.

The Swim

At first sight, the Blue Pool can be a little underwhelming as it really is very small. Having said that, it is actually bigger and deeper than it looks when you first approach it from the path. I’ve always spent a long time playing about in the Blue Pool, marvelling at the water clarity and soaking up the views.

Getting in is a case of stepping down or sliding off the rocks, so you must commit yourself to taking the plunge. I’ve always found the water here surprisingly cold, even in August. Make sure you have some warm clothes to wear afterwards, even if it’s a warm day. Getting out, there is an underwater ledge that you can use as a step.

Downstream, the Bridge Pool is a bit more tucked away and another fabulous place for a refreshing dip. It is also small, and the entry is just a couple of steps down from the grassy bank on the far side.

Technical Information

DESCRIPTION river pool RIVER Glenrosa Water ELEVATION (BRIDGE POOL) 50m ELEVATION (BLUE POOL) 60m ACCESS 2.5km walk, mainly on a good track ENTRY step down or slide into the water from the rocks GOOD FOR quick dips; amazing views; crystal-clear water LOCAL GROUP Arran Open Water Swimmers LOCATION 55.6011, -5.2036

Getting there

From Brodick take the B880 towards Blackwaterfoot and take the first right turn signposted Cart Track, Glen Rosa. Follow the single-track road for around one kilometre until you get to Glen Rosa Campsite. Around 100 metres past the gate, there is a small car park. There are no facilities.

You’ll need to get there early (or late) in the summer to get a parking place.

Access

Follow the main gravel track up the glen. After just over two kilometres you will reach a wooden bridge with a waterfall on your left. Cross the bridge and continue along the path, which has some rough sections.

For the Bridge Pool, take the small track on the right after around 100 metres. It takes you to a smaller wooden bridge with a pool on the downstream side.

For the Blue Pool, stick on the main track that follows the stream up the valley for a further 150 metres. The pool is on the right, just beneath a small waterfall, soon after the track returns to being close to the river. Downstream of the pool is a huge flat rock that nearly spans the whole width of the river; upstream there is a distinctive large boulder.

Refreshments

» Janie’s, Cladach. Great little cafe with delicious coffee, lovely home-made cakes and a shop selling freshly roasted coffee. Just a couple of doors along is the Arran Cheese Shop, which is worth a look if you like cheese!

» The Wineport, Cladach. Bar and bistro with a large beer garden. A good place for lunch or just coffee and cake.

» Little Rock, Brodick. Amazing cafe behind a crazy golf course. Very busy and popular but when you taste the food you’ll understand why! Great for breakfast, coffee or lunch.