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.
Summary
Faint path up fairly easy angled hillside; very boggy for most of the way. Some of the stiles are awkward!
Terrain
NN355281
Grid ref
11.5km/7 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 on A82 just north of Kirkton Farm turning
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of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. There is a parking layby on the west side of the A82 just north of the turning for Kirkton Farm. Begin the walk by crossing the road and following the Kirkton lane down to a bridge. Cross this and follow 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: Paul Parker
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: Paul Parker
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: Stretch
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: Kevin Pollock
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