These two Munros give one of the more challenging outings for baggers in this part of the Highlands, requiring experience as it crosses some potentially difficult pathless terrain. Creag Mhor is steep and craggy on the ascent with much character; Beinn Heasgarnich is something of a let-down, moated with vast areas of peat bog.
Summary
Tough hillwalking, often without paths. The ascent to Sron nan Eun is steep and craggy and requires care and navigational skill. The descent from Beinn Heasgarnich heads across peat-hagged and featureless terrain.
Terrain
NN476368
Grid ref
24.25km/15 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
New car park 1km short of road end in Glen Lochay
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
No public transport to the start
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is a car park in Glen Lochay some distance short of Kenknock - it is no longer possible to park at the end of the public road. Head on foot to this point where there is a cross-roads of routes; turn right up the private tarmac road that leads up to the pass over to Glen Lyon. Follow this road up a series of zigzags to NN461369 where a good Hydro track leaves it to the left, soon passing a small dam and then contouring the slopes heading west up Glen Lochay towards the hills. The mountain that steals the show up the glen is Ben Challum, looking a fine peak from this unfamilar side. Continue along this track, crossing the bridges over the Allt Badour and later the Allt Batavaim.
Photo: jimandandrea
2. Leave the track after the Allt Batavaim. From here the craggy southeast ridge of Creag Mhor - leading out to Sron nan Eun - can be seen. Your next objective is to reach this ridge, avoiding the steep bluff at its southeastern end. There is no obvious route for this part of the walk; we aimed a little north of west and scrambled up an easy gully before gaining the easier ground of Sron nan Eun above, where a path is gained. There are other ways, with easier ground a little further north.
Photo: jimandandrea
3. From Sron nan Eun, Creag Mhor is revealed; after crossing two small depressions the mostly grassy ridge with some rocky outcrops is followed all the way to the summit, becoming better defined along the way. The large summit cairn is at 1048 metres and a satisfying viewpoint with mountains in all directions.
Photo: jimandandrea
4. There are impassable crags blocking the direct route to the bealach dividing Creag Mhor from Beinn Heasgarnich, so instead it is necessary to descend the easier ground to the west and then northwest along the initial section of ridge leading towards Meall Tionaill before heading back ENE to the bealach once easier slopes are reached. Cross the peat bog here before beginning the ascent up the steep grassy slopes to Sron Tairbh and the Top of Stob an Fhir Bhogha beyond.
Photo: jimandandrea
5. From this top a very broad grassy ridge leads to the summit plateau and wind-shelter cairn that marks the Munro of Beinn Heasgarnich. The descent is via the vast areas of peat bog to the east; it is probably easiest to follow the ridge round for around 700 metres before beginning the descent. As you head down aim a little to the south to cross the Allt Tarsuinn before it becomes too wide. The area north of Lochan Achlarich is a vast flat bog - follow the east side of the Allt Tarsuinn before breaking away to cross and then follow the far bank of the stream from the lochan further down.
Photo: jimandandrea
6. Once flat ground is reached once more make for the summit of the private Glen Lochay - Glen Lyon road - the solid tarmac will be reached with much relief! Turn right to follow the road which leads back down into Glen Lochay and to the start of the walk.
Photo: Steven Brown 
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