Beinn an Lochain was classified as a Munro on Sir Hugh's original list. More recent surveys put it well below 3000 feet but it is very steep and fine mountain that admits no inferiority to the surrounding higher peaks. It gives a short but strenuous hillwalk.
Summary
Boggy at first then a very steep ascent of a fine rocky ridge, but the scrambling is only mild.
Terrain
Layby on A83 north of Rest and Be Thankful
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. The obvious start point is at the large parking area near Butter Bridge, the old stone bridge on the military road across this part of the Highlands. However the path from here soon leads into an impassable swamp - so don't try it! Instead park in a layby on the west side of the A83 around two kilometres north of the Rest and Be Thankful summit. From here, a faint path leads to the stream just above the Easan Dubh falls; it is normally straightforward to get across. On the far side the path becomes very boggy for a short distance and then leads faintly northwest to reach the foot of the very obvious northeast ridge of Beinn an Lochain, just above the forestry.
2. Once on the ridge the path turns left to begin the ascent proper, and becomes much clearer - and eroded in places. Few directions are necessary; simply follow the path up the ridge, which is steep and rocky in parts - almost a rock staircase - with flatter, slightly boggy interludes in between. Only short sections are visible at a time and there is no longer break in the ascent until a flatter top at point 637 metres is reached. Beinn an Lochain's summit is now in view for the first time, looking impressive, whilst the views back down the ridge to Butterbridge and across to Beinn Ime are excellent.
3. There is a short descent before the path reaches the foot of a very steep section of ridge, that can look quite intimidating from below. The path avoids any difficulties however, first by ascending a steep grassy slope and then swinging right to avoid rocky buttresses on the ridge-line proper. There are great views from this section over to Inveraray and down Loch Fyne. Higher up the path eventually leads back left to regain the crest of the ridge.
4. There is now a fairly level section leading on to the foot of the final rocky pyramid of Beinn an Lochain. This too can look a little intimidating, but the path this time avoids the cliffs by taking a route just slightly to the left side. The summit cairn soon appears atop a grassy knoll. The views of the surrounding mountains are impressive, but only to the southwest do the views really open out, along Loch Fyne. There is a second summit - with no cairn - a short distance further along the ridge.
5. The return is usually made the same way. One variation is possible, which is to continue along the ridge almost to the next little bealach. From here, a very faint path heads sharply left to traverse back across the summit pyramid of Beinn an Lochain on a grassy terrace. If the right path is found it leads back to the route of ascent without difficulty. Steps must then be retraced back down the ridge - taking care on steep sections - to return to the start.
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