These two Munros offer a straightforward mountain day, with great views of Glen Etive and Ben Cruachan. The ridge between the two is pleasant with no difficulties although the final descent from Beinn Eunaich is steep.
Summary
Track for first and last sections, grassy slopes with a very steep final descent, no difficulties.
Terrain
NN136287
Grid ref
13.5km/8.25 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.
Layby parking just after the Allt Mhoille on the B8077 soon after the turn off from
the A85 near Lochawe
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Regular bus to Lochawe
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is limited parking on both sides of the bridge over the Allt Mhoille on the B8077 soon after the turn off the A85 at the head of Loch Awe signed for Stronmilchan. From here walk along the road away from the A85 for a very short distance and turn left along a gated track marked Castles Estate Farm Track, near some pine trees. Follow the track, keeping left at a fork. Bear left when the track divides and the way ahead goes through a gate leading to Castles Farm. You are now on the track connected to the Cruachan Dam hydro scheme which has tunnels under Beinn a'Chochuill. Go through a gate and start heading uphill on the track.
2. The track climbs on an easy gradient before descending slightly to cross the Allt Lairig lanachan. Soon afterwards at a junction take the track to the right and continue for a short distance until the least steep section of the ridge above is reached. Turn left to climb up the grassy slope in a north-west direction, there is a faint path which becomes clearer as the ridge becomes more defined. The views back over the head of Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle are worth stopping to admire every now and again. Eventually the main ridge is reached with a good view down to Glen Kinglas on the other side.
3. Follow the narrow path west along the ridge, climbing past a rocky outcrop before a more gentle section of ridge before the final pull up the grassy slope to the summit of Beinn a'Chochuill at 980 metres. From here retrace your steps along the ridge and at the point where you joined the ridge continue eastwards, along the grassy ridge, towards the bealach Lairig lanachan at 728m.
4. Here the whole route up Beinn Eunaich can be seen, a straightforward ascent on a grassy and stone slope with a faint path. There are good views down Glen Kinglass, deserted except for the buildings at Glenkinglas Lodge. At 989 metres, Beinn Eunaich is a similar height to the first Munro, however this one has better views back over Beinn a'Chochuill to the Cruachan ridge and beyond, and down to Loch Awe. There is a sizeable cairn on the summit.
5. Begin the descent by heading directly for the head of Loch Awe, south from the summit cairn. The ridge is grassy and fairly broad. In dry weather the going is good with springy turf underfoot, there is a faint path. Keep following the ridge with good views of Kilchurn Castle ahead. The route crosses a couple of peat hags and shortly after the path bears right to head southwest down steep ground.
6. It may also be possible to continue a little further along the ridge and descend the slightly less steep ground, however there are crags which mean you have to come off the slope before the end and therefore it may be easier to follow the steep path. The path winds downhill becoming eroded and stony in places until it emerges onto the track below. Turn left and descend the track retracing the initial outward part of the walk to return to the start.
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