The ascent of Beinn Loinne is a fairly straightforward trudge of a hillwalk from Cluanie; the reward is in the fine views, particularly of the Glen Shiel mountains.
Summary
Excellent track to the bealach. The next section towards the ridge is very boggy moorland; improving as height is gained onto a very broad and featureless ridge dotted with outcrops.
Terrain
NH078116
Grid ref
18km/11.25 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Layby along start of lane just east of Cluanie Inn
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Bus to Cluanie.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Just east of the Cluanie Inn is the start of the old road from Cluanie to Tomdoun. Until the Loch Loyne dam flooded a section of this road it was the main route to Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye from the south. There is space to park several cars fifty metres along this road. The walk begins by continuing along this private road; just after crossing the bridge it is possible to shortcut slightly by heading left and following an older section but otherwise the route just sticks to the old road. As the road curves east and begins to climb above Loch Cluanie (a reservoir - hence the tide-marks), good views open up back over the peaks at the head of Glen Shiel. A' Chralaig across the glen is particularly prominent.
2. After two kilometres the road forks and the left hand branch descends to Cluanie Lodge above the reservoir. Instead take the rougher right hand branch, passing through the gate. As the climb continues note the old milestone markers on the right-hand side, a reminder of the not so distant past when this was a major through route. The track crosses a stone bridge over the Allt Giubhais, where many walkers intent on the South Cluanie Ridge turn off. For Beinn Loinne, continue following the track. The Munro of Ciste Dhubh looks fine with its sharp peak, whilst remote Sgurr nan Ceathreamnan is seen over the An Caorainn Mor between it and A'Chralaig.
3. Beinn Loinne is visible over to the left, looking not too inspiring compared to the nearer Munros; the bogs on the left side of the road do not look too encouraging either. Continue on the road all the way to its summit, named as the Mullach Mam Chluainidh on the 1:25 OS Map but not so obvious on the ground. From this point it is possible to turn left and head across boggy ground towards the rocky knoll at 540m; the going isn't as bad as it appears at first.
4. From the indistinct top of the knoll head east across the rough moors to reach the start of the Druim nan Cnamh, the broad and fairly featureless northwest ridge of Beinn Loinne. By now the conditions underfoot are much better; the ridge, though broad, is a mixture of heather and rock outcrops. There are excellent views of the Glen Shiel mountains reflected in Loch Cluanie as the ascent begins to steepen slightly.
5. There are a couple of false rises before the summit comes into view, marked by a cylindrical trig point. This west summit of Beinn Loinne has Corbett status at 789 metres; the other top two kilometres to the east being lower (though it is this summit that is labelled as Beinn Loinne on maps). The views are excellent, with Ben Tee very prominent to the southeast across Loch Loyne, whilst a long section of Glen Moriston is also visible.
6. If transport arrangements permit it is possible to traverse the hill by continuing along the ridge to reach a bealach just beyond the east top and then descending ESE to eventually reach a track above Loch Loyne, but this leads to the A87 a kilometre to the south of its junction with the Glen Moriston road. Otherwise, the best return is to retrace your steps back to Cluanie.
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Route profile
