Beinn an t-Sidhean (often anglicised to Ben Shian) is a steep-sided hill that shelters Strathyre from the westerly winds. Its sides are clothed with forestry plantations but from the moor above there are excellent views.
Summary
Steep waymarked paths up through the forest, muddy in places, a short exposed moorland section, and forest roads on the descent.
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1. NB: This walk may be temporarily obstructed or blocked by ongoing forestry operations, - if you visit this route and it is clear then please let us know. Park in the Forestry Commission car park at the southern end of Strathyre. There is an information board here giving details of three routes. This description covers two of them, with the blue waymarked ascent of Beinn an t-Sidhean being followed by the green marked Baileful route for the descent. The route can be shortened by following only one or the other of these routes. Either way, begin by climbing up to the disused railway line behind the car park - now used as a cycle route. Turn left to cross the suspension bridge over the River Balvag and on the far side turn right (waymarked) to follow a path up to a minor road. Turn right along the road, passing the school; there is a walkway on the left side for part of the way. Just before reaching a road junction a large sign indicates where a path climbs into the woods. This climbs steeply through dense plantations of spruce and larch.
2. The climb relents briefly when the path reaches a forestry track. Turn right along this but look out for the waymarker post that soon indicates where to turn left and continue the climb even more steeply. Higher up the path reaches another forestry track. If you wish to complete only the easier Baileful route you can turn right here (green marker), but to climb Beinn an t-Sidhean first, turn left (blue marker).
3. The track ends almost immediately and the route continues as a path. This narrows and cuts across a steep slope at one point before broadening out as the plantations become denser. The path is muddy for much of the way and rocky in one or two places. Ignore a forest ride which goes off to the right and keep following the waymarkers.
4. The path climbs steeply once more and passes just to the left of the prominent mound of An Sidhean. It then ascends the mound from behind to reach a tiny cairn at 546 metres. The true summit of Beinn an t-Sidhean is actually half a kilometre away to the north across the flat moor but the mound of An Sidhean is a far superior viewpoint. Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin are prominent across the glen, whilst to the north is a glimpse of Loch Earn with Ben Lawers rising behind. But it is the view southwards over Loch Lubnaig which wins the most attention.
5. Retrace your steps back down into the forest and back to the forest track left earlier where the blue and green markers diverged. The quickest way down is to retrace your steps but since you have gained so much height it is well worth continuing straight ahead on the track following the green markers of the Baileful route. The track climbs gently and soon reaches a large area where the forest has been felled. This permits superb views up the glen. Continue on the track for over two kilometres to a junction. A track heads off uphill to the left; ignore this and instead follow the hairpin bend on the main track to continue a gradual descent at a lower level.
6. At the next junction fork left (green waymarker) and then continue straight ahead when another track comes in from the left. The track now continues down to reach a minor road. Turn right along the road to head back to Strathyre. Turn left at the next road junction and cross the old stone bridge over the river. Just before reaching the main road turn right through an iron gate to access the cycle track and follow it back to the car park at the start of the walk.
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