Beinn Mhor is the highest hill in a wide area, making it an extensive viewpoint. The walk is straightforward, although navigation skills are needed for the final climb.
Summary
Forestry track and faint path, steep and boggy at times and pathless for final climb
Terrain
NS115866
Grid ref
13km/8 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.
Users'
rating
No public transport to the start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start just beyond Stonefield in Glen Massan where there is a parking area with information board just after a bridge over the River Massan. This is at the end of the public road, start by continuing along the private road into forestry and then more open ground as you head up the Glen. Keep on the main track ignoring any side tracks. Eventually a house and barn come into view. Pass this and some old stone walls on the right and then take the forestry track on the right heading uphill.
2. The track climbs in wide zig zags through an area of felled ground. When it levels off for a short while, the track runs high above the Allt Coire Mheasan which can be seen below with a spectacular waterfall. The track continues to climb and enters the spruce plantation. There are Walkers Welcome signs on posts to mark the way at intervals.
3. The track reaches a small turning area and then narrow to a path and steepens. Follow the clear path along a ride in the forest, crossing a couple of small streams. Eventually the path bears left and emerges from the forest. From here Beinn Mhor can be seen over to the right although the summit is hidden.
4. You can either follow the faint all terrain vehicle tracks which head diagonally left keeping below the ridge and climb all the way to the summit. This route is wet underfoot but fairly straightfoward to navigate, although you need to keep a note of the point where the path emerges from the forest as this can be hard to find on the way back. There is a marker post to help. Alternatively you can head directly up to the ridge and then turn right to follow it along to the summit. This is a slightly more rugged approach but it has no difficulties and has better views.
5. The summit is only viewed at the last minute and is topped with a trig point. At 741 metres, the peak counts as one of the Grahams in the Scottish mountain classification. From here there is an excellent view in all directions. Ben Lui, Ben Cruachan, the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond can all be seen from here on a clear day. The return route is by the same outward route, with good views of Loch Tarsan ahead for the first part.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
