Beinn an t-Sidhein open for walk

[U059361]

Was looking to see if the hill was open while passing Strathyre and to our surprise it was with various reservations regarding path disturbance posted over the top of the previous closure notice in car park. We decided to take the chance and the weather was perfect.

At Strathyre where forest walk starts from minor road there is warning notice about path.

We followed the route given on WH page up to the first forest road. Here a path marker is lying on the ground taped up. Turned left here for an early look at Loch Lubnaig and a coffee for 11s. Picked up the trail again walking back and going right this time. The next marker was also lying on the ground and beside the path a brand new forest track going steeply up the hill.

The new track just climbs up the hill at 45 degrees.

This shows what the new road is made up of, mashed wood, branches and mud.

Followed it to the top, muddy with mashed up branches included in the mix with most mud at bottom and most branches at the top. Not nice to walk on. A short distance up the remains of the old path can be seen on the right and it is blocked off. Trudged up the new track which had been well used. Good view of loch from up here now all the trees have gone.

Great view of Loch Lubnaig

At the very top of track looked for marker post and found it at a stream at young trees just where all the branches lying around comes to an end. It is now back to the original path I assume. I have not walked here before.
A short climb through young trees to reach the start of the steep climb up to An Sidhean.

The steep bit with Stuc a'Chroin in background.

This goes up past a crag and comes to junction, you can either go up the back or the front of the top. Great views all round now.
It was so good we had our lunch right there and then. Just lapped up the sunshine, no wind even on this exposed top.
We finally had to shake ourselves and head for the true top. Down the back of top and rejoin the path as it goes over heather and boggy section before small rise to the actual summit A style over fence as well.

The real top from the style over fence.

Here the view is better to the north and west.

From top, Ben More in close up

Continued on to Beinn Luidh in the hope of clear view of Loch Voil but as usual there is another hill in the way.
After a look around, we simply retraced our steps back to the car park minus detour.
Walking back down the new forest road was no fun, slippy and muddy. I would hate to see this after heavy rain.

Trudge down the new track

[ChrisW]

Great report and pics - don't like the look of that track though I agree with you regarding what it must be like on wet days maybe it just needs a little time