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
NN461369
Grid ref
20km/12.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Bend in private road well above Kenknock 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. Most walkers begin this route at Kenknock at the end of the public road up Glen Lochay. There is however a private tarmac road from here over the pass to Glen Lyon; if the gates are not locked there is usually no objection to driving up part of this. This enables a start from NN461369 where a good Hydro track leaves the road, 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 ©Dr Richard Murray, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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.
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 of summit in winter ©Stuart Meek, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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 ©Graham Ellis, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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 ©Graham Ellis, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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 to the start of the walk.
Photo ©Stuart Meek, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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