Ben Challum, near Tyndrum

TYNDRUM, DALMALLY AND BRIDGE OF ORCHY


Summary :	Ben Challum is not a distinguished peak when seen from the A82, as to this side it shows only sprawling grassy slopes. The Glen Lochay side is more interesting but the ascent is normally made from Kirkton Farm; straightforward in good conditions but usually boggy.
Terrain :	Faint path up fairly easy angled hillside; very boggy for most of the way. Some of the stiles are awkward!
Grade :		Distance :	11.5km/7 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	5 – 7 hours
Start :	Lane to Kirkton Farm	Grid ref :	NN357281
Map :	View an OS map showing this route Buy Explorer 377 – Loch Etive online	Ascent :	910m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open in Virtual Highlands Tell me more Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more
Munros climbed :	Ben Challum
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

1. Take the lane off the A82 that leads to Kirkton Farm but park before crossing the bridge – there is space for two cars. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge and following the track to the Farm, turning left just before reaching it; this is part of the West Highland Way. Immediately leave the West Highland Way, following a fainter track off to the right uphill, passing to the right of a cemetery with two large trees. This track crosses the railway at a level crossing (it isn't permitted to use the bridge further east).

Photo ©Graham Ellis, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

2. Once across the railway leave the track for a very faint path and strike uphill. When you reach a deerfence continue uphill beside it, using the high stiles to cross the fences which run around the hill. There are some very boggy sections as the route undulates over some minor bumps. Further on it is possible to cross to the other side of the fence in various places, which may be necessary to avoid the worst of the swamps.

Photo ©Graham Ellis, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

3. The going begins to improve on the long steady pull up to the south top. By now the views are beginning to really open up, with a great view back down to Strathfillan and the great peaks of Ben Lui, Ben More and Stob Binnein and others crowding the horizon. From the south summit care is needed in mist, as the ridge is split in two by a cleft. Head west for a short distance to cross this cleft before following the ridge on the far side north. The ridge descends briefly before reascending to the main Munro summit of Ben Challum (or Ben Challuim if you are using the 1:25 000 map!)

Photo montage: photos ©wfmillar, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

4. The views are very extensive and well repay the ascent; in addition to the peaks mentioned there is a fine view down Glen Lochay and back along the ridge. The return is by the same route.

Photo ©wfmillar, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

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Route profile

Accommodation links for this area:
Argyll and Oban Hotels and Inns
Argyll B&B (Bed and Breakfast)
Self catering cottages in Tyndrum, Dalmally and Bridge of Orchy
Argyll and Oban hostels and bunkhouses