Beinn Dorain is one of the most instantly recognisable Munros in the southern Highlands, a huge conical peak that dominates the A82 when driving north from Tyndrum. Its ascent can easily be combined with neighbouring Beinn an Dothaidh to give an excellent walk.
Summary
Eroded paths for much of the route, some wet sections. These mountains are steep in parts and difficult to navigate in mist.
Terrain
NN297396
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
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Bridge of Orchy is well served both by Citilink buses and by its train station.
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Public transport
1. Beinn Dorain is a peak which has long been admired by passing travellers as it so dominates the route north. It was famously celebrated in the poem Moladh Beinn Dobhrainn (In Praise of Beinn Dorain) by the eighteenth century Gaelic poet Duncan Ban MacIntyre, who wrote of its 'blooms in agreement, like a great music' - anticipating the modern outlook of ecology. There is a car park close by the hotel in Bridge of Orchy. Begin the walk by crossing the road and following the lane that leads up to the train station.
Photo of Beinn Dorain from A82 north of Tyndrum.
2. At the station cross the railway line using the underpass. A clear path bears left and then heads uphill. Follow the broad path as it ascends, keeping to the right of the Allt an Dothaidh. It is a pleasant climb up into the grassy bowl of Coire an Dothaidh, surrounded by wide slopes dotted with crags. Follow the path right up onto the bealach.
Photo: Paul Parker
3. From the bealach the view to the east reveals a glimpse of Loch Lyon in the remotest reaches of Perthshire. Both Munros can be tackled from here, and it matters little which you climb first. For Beinn Dorain, follow the broad path to the south heading up the ridge. Higher up the ridge becomes better defined and the main path continues to a large cairn. In mist many mistake this for the summit, but actually this is Carn Sasunnaich (the Englishman's Cairn and perhaps a suggestion that Gael's have little respect for the navigational skills of those from the south of the border). There is also a second path which passes to the west of Carn Sassunaich and omits it - this path continues and passes below the main summit too before cutting back up to the top.
Photo: Paul Parker
4. On the main path, continue from Sasunnaich to the next bealach and then follow the ridge up to the true summit of Beinn Dorain. At 1076 metres this is a great viewpoint, especially around the southern arc, whilst Loch Lyon is well seen to the northeast. Return along the ridge to the bealach above Coire an Dothaidh.
Photo: Paul Parker
5. This time follow the path towards Beinn an Dothaidh. This heads northeast at first to avoid a steep section; beyond head more directly north up gentle slopes to reach the west Top on the edge of the crags, with its fine view of Loch Tulla, Stob Ghabhar and its satellite peaks looking magnificent behind. To reach the true summit of Beinn an Dothaidh head southeast and then east to a shallow bealach.
Photo: Paul Parker
6. The true summit of Beinn an Dothaidh is 1004 metres and its view over Rannoch Moor (with Ben Nevis beyond if the day is clear) is equally fine. From here you can either divert to take in the peaked south summit a short distance away, or just head back across Coire Reidh to rejoin the ascent route lower down. Return to the Coire an Dothaidh bealach and descend the path back down the corrie to return to Bridge of Orchy.
Photo: Paul Parker
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