Beinn nan Aighenan via Glen Kinglas - the long walk

[kevsbald]

Work had been very hectic what with daily updates to Government regarding the measles and Cryptosporidium outbreaks in Scotland. To say that I was in dire need of a long hill day was a gross understatement and I had decided back in November that Beinn nan Aighenan would be done via lonely Glen Kinglas.

Lonely Glen Kinglas

Beinn nan Aighenan far in the distance

It was the ultimate tonic and the length and solitude would afford a cleansing of the body and mind. I arrived at Victoria Bridge for 0800 and was away at a good rate of knots, reaching Loch Dochard within an hour and a bit. The view across to Meall nan Eun is rewarding and being in this glen feels incredibly remote.

Meall nan Eun across Loch Dochard

Looking towards Stob Coire Albanaich

However, I saw a couple of people who had taken the trip in to camp beside the loch so it is clearly appreciated by others. I walked past Beinn Suidhe, a great wee hill and inexorably, Beinn nan Aighenan grew steadily closer. It is a small psychological blow to reach the high point of the land rover track and see that you have to descend a good few hundred feet to the bridge below the steep Eastern end of Beinn nan Aighenan. To have walked 10km and still to begin the ascent proper means that you need to knuckle down mentally and physically. However, the climb was straight up and brought me out on to a ridge which had no obvious path - it really is nice to go off the beaten track and explore what is left of the wild land of Scotland. The ridge undulates and allows for incredibly expansive views across Glen Kinglas and to the Munros directly North.

Glen Kinglas expanse

The long ridge to Aighenan

The last snows of Winter

It is quite a place to while away time and mellow out. The sweeping ridge to the final summit brings you up to the cairn and views over to Stob Ghabhar and in the distance, the Cruachan massif.

Summit cairn and the Cruachan massif

I had decided that I would continue down the other side and into Coire Caim. I topped up my water at a fast-flowing streambed and began the long walk back out. I felt that I was one of a few people who would walk out this way and managed to pick up the occasional deer path which made for good going. Within the hour, I was back on the land rover track, which felt good. I only had 5 miles to head for home but by this point, the legs weren't swinging so freely. Some Pearl Jam accompanied me and no doubt scared off the wildlife but by this point, any help was welcome. I arrived back at the car both physically tired but mentally had left all my worries in the hills. It was a beautiful day and one way of doing this hill that I would totally recommend.

[PeteR]

This brings back memories kev, and all of them good Even the sore legs and aching knees by the end of the walk were worth it in my opinion This really is a gem of a route and I'm glad you seem to have enjoyed it as much as I did when I did it. You got summit views too....which I didn't

Glen Kinglas is a wonderfully remote and stunning place I think walking in this glen was my first experience of this sort of remote walking, and apart from a couple I met on the summit itself I saw not a single person the whole day (not that I'm anti-social or anything )

[Clach Liath]

This is the best approach I think, so I go with your recommendation. I did it many years ago using a bike for the approach to the high point of the Land Rover track. It felt a long day even using the bikes.

[Graeme D]

Quality walking as ever amigo!

[Fudgie]

Having stood on Beinn nan Aighenan and looked down that Glen, it does look like a wonderful walk and probably preferable to doing it the way I did it which was from Ben Starav. Well done Kev.

[rockhopper]

Long way for one, kev, but worth it in the end - cheers

[malky_c]

The last snows of Winter

Ever hopeful, eh?

Great photos. I wnt this way as I thought the extra driving down Glen Etive would cancel out the shorter walk. Glad I did, as it is a great route. Shame the weather wasn't as good as this though.

Cryptosporidium outbreaks in Scotland

Where's that then? If it was from a public water supply it will probably result in some work for me eventually.

[Sabbathstevie]

Just superb Kev!

[Johnny Corbett]

A superb choice of route. Will venture this way myself when i do the Grahams in Glen Kinglas.

[Phil the Hill]

Great stuff. I'd been thinking of doing Meall nan Eun from Glen Kinglas. After this report, I think I definitely will do it from that side.

[Collaciotach]

Ah i took the "short" route from Glen Eite, having omitted this wee beauty on a previous round ,took the Mrs .... looooong day

Enjoyed that and quality pics