More a range of hills than a single peak, Beinn a'Ghlo has three Munro summits giving a strenuous day. The summits may be rounded, but the steep sides and sculpted form makes this a memorable outing.
Summary
Mostly good paths, with steep descents between the peaks and some rough ground.
Terrain
NN906671
Grid ref
22km/13.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Public transport to Blair Atholl, 4 km from the walk start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park at the end of the minor road near Loch Moraig. The walk begins along a track, continuing straight on along the right side of the fence at the junction. Continue along the track which gradually ascends to reach a couple of small huts, backed by the great dome of Carn Liath. The track is left here, and the path which passes a line of grouse butts directly towards Carn Liath is followed. This path is quite eroded and can be seen for miles around.
Photo ©Ian Bruce, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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2. After the initial section past the butts the path steepens considerably up the heather slopes. The directness does at least ensure the first Munro of the day is reached; the summit cairn is just beyond the trig point at 975 metres. There are excellent views all around, and the best part of the days walk now stretches ahead. The path follows a delightful ridge, curving left, then right and then left again to reach the bealach.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
3. From the bealach there is a steeper climb up towards the next Munro. The main eroded path climbs across the slope to the right; some of the loose stones can be avoided by following a smaller path more directly up the ridge. The climb then continues less steeply, round the edge of a scooped corrie to reach the summit cairn of Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, the central one of Beinn a'Ghlo's three peaks. Finding the route to the next bealach requires care; firstly continue round the corrie edge to reach the lower summit at 1016.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
4. From here continue by heading left along the plateau edge but keep an eye out for a steep route down on the right if visibility is poor. There is a path which makes the descent, beginning a little before the bealach with the 1004 metre northern spot height. Continue steeply down to the Bealach an Fhiodha, losing another 150 metres of height. Across the other side a path makes a rising traverse up onto the ridge of Carn nan Gabhar, probably a tiring ascent by this point in the day. Once on the ridge the ascent is gently but the ground is very stony. Pass a cairn and then a trig point before finally reaching the well-built summit cairn beyond. Carn nan Gabhar is the highest summit of Beinn a'Ghlo at 1129 metres, with fine views into the wilds around the head of Glen Tilt.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
5. The return route to Loch Moraig is long and tiring. Return to the Bealach an Fhiodha and head down the east side of the stream to the south. Cross the stream before it joins the Allt na Beinn Bige to pick up a stalkers path you should have been able to see earlier, contouring round the base of Beinn Bheag. After crossing the Allt Coire na Saobhaidh the path begins to improve and eventually joins a track. Follow this track for several kilometres to rejoin the outward route at the huts below Carn Liath. Loch Moraig is twenty minutes further on.
Photo shows the summits of Beinn a'Ghlo from Ben Vrackie.
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