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We decided to approach Beinn Mhanach from the Loch Lyon side, with the future aim of completing the other Bridge of Orchy Munros from the other side. We started close to the end of the loch just beyond Pubil. Beinn Mhanach is visible from the start, staring back at you from the distant shore where the loch bends southwest. A track starts close to the end of the village and rises initially uphill before going downhill and following the loch’s northern shore.
A number of streams come down from the hills on the north side of the loch, one of these was overhung with lovely honeysuckle.
The track provides beautiful views to the south of Beinn Sheasgarnich. Eventually it turns up Gleann Meurain. The Allt Meurain can be forded here by turning left, but we opted to come back that way and followed the track to easily ford the Allt Meurain upstream of its confluence with Allt Cailliche.
The track then bends west and proceeds up Gleann Cailliche between Beinn Mhanach and Beinn a’Chreachain. We left the track by veering left to visit the interesting ancient Pagan shrine of Tigh nam Bodach.
After this, time to ford the Allt Cailliche and, a first for me, getting my feet wet. It was lovely to feel the water after the long walk up the lochside track.
Next it was an uphill bog trudge to reach a gap beween Meallan Odhar and Beinn Mhanach. I was amazed at how high the bog reached, it hardly seemed to relent until the summit was close.
The summit wasn’t too distinctive but had excellent views, particularly back down the loch with Ben Lawers and An Stuc clearly visible. You also get a feel of how Beinn Mhanach is surrounded on its western side by the larger Bridge of Orchy Munros.
There were also fantastic views down the Gleann Achadh-innis Chailein towards the Ben Lui group.
The return route initially returned down to the gap between Beinn Mhanach and Meallan Odhar and then headed straight down fairly steep and very boggy slopes to the obvious track below.
Once again now it was time to get wet feet and cross the Allt Meurain, this was pretty straightforward and getting wet feet was more relief for the feet than a necessity. Crossing this in spate may prove difficult.
We followed the track after the ford and then turned right re-joining the outward route. Despite not having applied enough suncream and starting to notice it, the walk back was a delight and, as the sun gradually got lower in the sky, the light on the loch and surrounding hills was a fine end to a great day out.
