Beinn Chabhair, from Coire a'Chuilinn

[Caleb Wright]

I have to be honest I was a bit put off by the accounts of Beinn Chabhair from the Drovers Inn, so was looking for an alternate route. We opted for an approach from the North West. The weather was changeable with cloud initially fairly low but occasionally clearing. We parked at a layby on the A82, just by where the railway switches from the east side of the road to the west. Crossing the road we joined the West Highland Way as it passes the well situated Derrydaroch cottage. Shortly after this we took a good track on the left which proceeds at a gentle gradient up beside Allt a'Chuilinn into Coire a'Chuilinn.

The track ahead

The track was peaceful and we hardly met anyone after turning off onto it. When we reached a small hydro the track abruptly ends. There is a bit of a path at first but it soon gets easily lost. We kept on the right side of the Allt a'Chuilinn and then the right side of the first main tributary, from here it is a bit difficult to say for sure exactly when we turned a sharper right up a steep pathless slope aiming for the ridge. Although steep in parts, it wasn't too boggy and there were no difficulties.

Leaving the track

The way up

Eventually we came across a vague path clearly heading for the ridge close to Meall nan Tarmachan. We emerged onto the ridge and onto a well used path by a small cairn. From here we turned left and followed the excellent path as it works its way up and around various bumps. It was quite a strange experience going from what felt like a quiet and empty glen onto a busy track with lots of walkers. We got a brief view of Loch Lomond to the south and then went fully into the clag.

Joining the main path

Looking towards Loch Lomond

The wind picked up a bit as we made the final approach to the summit which was surprisingly spacious, but our views were limited and the weather now quite wet. We didn't hang around long and followed the excellent path back to the small cairn, from here we pretty much retraced our steps back down into Coire a'Chuilinn.

Reaching the summit

Great path on the main ridge

Looking into Coire a'Chuilinn

As we decended there was one final short downpour before the sun came out for the remaining walk back. As we walked back behind us a clear view of Beinn Chabhair appeared and the views improved quickly. We merged back onto the West Highland Way and enjoyed the gentle walk back to the car. My first Crianlarich hill now completed. I would really recommend this as alternate way up Beinn Chabhair.

Looking back to Beinn Chabhair

Looking down the glen, not sure of the hill on show though, possibly Ben Oss?

A final look back