Beinn Talaidh, via Glen Forsa

Beinn Talaidh was once Mull's second Corbett, before being demoted to Graham status. It is a steep-sided grassy peak, isolated from its neighbours by very low bealachs, and at the heart of the peaks of Mull it gives excellent views. This ascent via Glen Forsa to the north gives a longer approach but probably more enjoyable than the direct ascent from the A849 to the south.

Terrain

Good approach track, with ford. The hill itself is pathless, with very steep grass slopes lower down and stonier but more gradual ascent higher up.

Public Transport

Buses pass the foot of Glen Forsa

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Start

Parking area at foot of Glen Forsa.. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km/11.25 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 748m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NM595426

Summits Climbed

Graham: Beinn Talaidh

Maps / GPS

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GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The turning for Glen Forsa is off the A849 on the section where the two carriageways separate a couple of kilometres east of Salen; a small sign reads 'Glen Forsa Estate only'. There is a parking area a short way along the lane near a house; beyond this point access up the glen is on foot or by bicycle only. Start by heading through the gate and continuing along the track; immediately there are views of the objective, Beinn Talaidh, rising impressively at the head of the glen.

Stage 2

The track passes the white-washed Kilbeg (a self-catering cottage) and goes through another gate. Forestry plantations are left behind on the more open, middle-reaches of the glen. Glen Forsa is mostly used for cattle grazing - something for walkers with dogs to be aware of. Eventually the track comes close to the river and some more forestry, and then crosses a wooden bridge over a tributary. It then forks; keep right on the main track, staying on the south side of the river.

Stage 3

Further up the track fords another tributary (the footbridge marked on OS 1:25k maps does not exist) and reaches a striking memorial - an aircraft propeller from a wartime plane crash on Beinn Talaidh. Eight men were on board and three were killed in the crash; one survivor escaped from the wreckage and got down to a cottage in the glen to alert rescuers. The track forks here again; turn right and follow it up to the old cottage at Tomsleibhe. This is now an open bothy maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; you can help them by carrying out any rubbish and submitting a report on its condition at their website.

Stage 4

From the bothy the track becomes fainter and very boggy; after 300m or so it drops slightly and crosses the burn before fading out more completely. Head south towards the steep grassy nose of Beinn Talaidh; there is a gate in the fence around 250m from the stream crossing point. More boggy ground leads to the start of the climb proper; from here the going underfoot is drier though the ascent is very steep at first. Higher up the slope becomes more comfortable and there are great views looking back down Glen Forsa.

Stage 5

The gradient eases at around 500m and the views really begin to open up, with Loch Ba seen over to the right and Ben More dominating the surrounding peaks. The final climb is stony before the surprisingly spacious grassy summit plateau is reached. There is a trig point and a large cairn just beyond, with a view down to Loch Spelve and of the A849 snaking below. It is possible to descend to Maol nam Fiadh and then very steeply down to this road if transport permits, but those returning to their car at the foot of Glen Forsa will instead retrace their steps back by the route of ascent.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.