Scotland
A' Chir
746M
2447FT
About A' Chir
Sitting between Beinn Tarsuinn and Cìr Mhòr, this jagged granite ridge is one of Arran’s most formidable challenges. Its name translates as 'The Comb,' a fitting description for its serrated profile. Expect exposed, high-quality scrambling across the summit crest, with dramatic drops into Glen Rosa and Glen Iorsa.
Key Statistics
Rank
11th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Southern Hebrides
Prominence
?
113.6m
Nearest Town
North Ayrshire
Geology
The ground beneath you is the Outer Granite of northern Arran. This tough, crystalline rock formed from molten magma that slowly cooled deep underground.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NR966421
Latitude
55.6304°N
Longitude
5.2316°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'A' Chìr', meaning 'The Comb', which describes the mountain's distinctive, tooth-like serrated skyline when viewed from the surrounding glens.
- •The traverse of the main ridge is considered one of the most technical expeditions on Arran for hillwalkers, featuring the 'Mauchline Wall' and requiring sustained Grade 2 scrambling skills to navigate the rocky crest safely.
- •From the narrow summit, the views are dominated by the spectacular granite architecture of the 'Witch's Step' on nearby Caisteal Abhail and the deep, glacial troughs of Glen Rosa and Glen Iorsa.
- •A bypass path exists on the western flank for those wishing to avoid the technical crest, though it is notoriously eroded and lacks the spectacular positions found on the true ridge.
- •While its name implies it might help tidy one's appearance, the exposed, wind-blasted ridge is far more likely to leave a walker looking significantly more dishevelled than when they started.