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A river tumbles over rock ledges into a pool at the foot of a mountain glen, jagged peaks rising ahead under a cloudy sky.
Isle of Arran

The Blue Pool, Glen Rosa

A small, deep pool below a waterfall on Glenrosa Water, a popular wild swimming spot under Goatfell, about 1.8 miles up Glen Rosa.

Welcome

The Blue Pool lies on Glenrosa Water, in the glen that runs from Brodick into the mountains of north Arran.

It is small but deep and wonderfully clear, with a little waterfall pouring in at its head and granite slabs around its edge, all under the shadow of Goatfell.

The pool is about 1.8 miles up the glen from the Glen Rosa campground off the String Road, on a rough track that becomes a path beside the river, past the footbridge at the Garbh Allt. The view on up the glen to the peak of Cir Mhor is superb.

On a warm day, the Blue Pool is one of the loveliest wild swimming spots on the island. The water is cold and deep, so take care, and bring boots for the wetter parts of the path.

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The Daily for 10 November, from Scotland with love. Aerial view of a concrete road bridge with angled supports spanning a sea loch, twin cloud-wrapped mountain peaks rising behind autumn-coloured hills.
A short drive awayThe French Fox, BrodickA French takeaway in Brodick, which began in a vintage van and now cooks from One Auchrannie Road, with confit, moules and tartiflette.4 min by roadSee itThe French Fox, Brodick

Before you go

Open at all times.

Wild swimming is at your own risk; the water is cold and deep.

Start
Glen Rosa campground.
Distance
About 1.8 miles each way.
Swim
A small, deep pool.

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Where it is

Up Glen Rosa from the campground off the B880 outside Brodick, beside Glenrosa Water beyond the Garbh Allt bridge.

Close byGlen Rosa.
  1. Glen RosaGlen RosaThe glen and its walk.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Isle of Arran Heritage MuseumIsle of Arran Heritage Museum1 mile 3 min by road
  3. ARRAN Sense of ScotlandARRAN Sense of ScotlandThe island's bath, body and home fragrance maker, founded in 1989 and still making its products at Home Farm near Brodick, with a shop.1 mile 4 min by road
  4. Arran's Cheese ShopArran's Cheese ShopThe island's cheese dairy and shop at Home Farm, a mile north of Brodick, where a window lets you watch Arran Blue and cheddars being made.1 mile 4 min by road
  5. Brodick Castle, Garden and Country ParkBrodick Castle, Garden and Country ParkThe castle above the bay.2 miles 8 min by road
  6. Cìr MhòrCìr MhòrThe peak at the head of the glen.9 miles 24 min by road
Directions
Vintage pale blue van converted into a coffee stall beside treesRestaurantsThe French Fox, Brodick1.4 miles
Wooden dinosaur sculpture beside a black timber café with picnic tables on sandRestaurantsArran Botanical Drinks, Cladach1.6 miles
Deli staff stack pizza boxes beside shelves of tinned tomatoes and wine bottlesRestaurantsThe Parlour, Brodick1.7 miles
Mist curling around a jagged rocky mountain peakAttractionsGoat Fell1.8 miles as the crow flies
Curved sandy beach beside a coastal village, hills rising behind the rooftopsAttractionsBrodick Bay2.2 miles
Lichen-covered rocks and tidal pools along a grassy coastal shorelineAttractionsHutton’s Unconformity2.4 miles
Seals resting on lichen-covered rocks with others swimming in the seaWalksArran Coastal Way with Thistle Trekking2.4 miles
Single-storey café with blue awning and railings, wooden tables on the terraceRestaurantsMara, Corrie5.6 miles
Small harbour with an orange swing set, boats moored beside grassy banksAttractionsCorrie5.8 miles

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