Bheoil and Alder from Rannoch
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 3:04 pmI decided to approach this pair from the Rannoch side, having been advised it was a much nicer approach. Since I haven't been there from Dalwhinnie I can't really compare, but this was definitely a lovely route in... not a bad track up (pushed the bike a lot though!), then once at Loch Ericht there were stunning beaches, a nice bay at Benalder Cottage (which was locked up), a detour to find Prince Charlies Cave, and a fairly gentle climb up to the bealach.
9 hours 55 mins (car to car) well spent!
Although the drive back out to the A9 did make for a longer journey than if I'd gone up to Dalwhinnie.
The track in ended at 493 659 so I was able to cycle that far then continue on foot on a (very boggy!) track to Benalder Cottage. Coming off of Ben Alder summit I took a direct line down the gully, which wasn't too bad over grassy ground then I joined on to a good path. Seeing my route back to the bike ahead I cut the corner and left the good path, crossed the river over stepping stones (ran through the last few steps in the water!)... might have been quicker (certainly dryer!) had I just stayed on the path back to the cottage then picked up the mushy track following the beach again
Stunning sunshine for most of the day although passing light showers happened on both summits! 
Pics are too high res for uploading here but Scoob (who was off doing Beinn Bhuidhe and Vane today!) put all my clips together for a video summary of the day
9 hours 55 mins (car to car) well spent!
Although the drive back out to the A9 did make for a longer journey than if I'd gone up to Dalwhinnie.The track in ended at 493 659 so I was able to cycle that far then continue on foot on a (very boggy!) track to Benalder Cottage. Coming off of Ben Alder summit I took a direct line down the gully, which wasn't too bad over grassy ground then I joined on to a good path. Seeing my route back to the bike ahead I cut the corner and left the good path, crossed the river over stepping stones (ran through the last few steps in the water!)... might have been quicker (certainly dryer!) had I just stayed on the path back to the cottage then picked up the mushy track following the beach again
Stunning sunshine for most of the day although passing light showers happened on both summits! Pics are too high res for uploading here but Scoob (who was off doing Beinn Bhuidhe and Vane today!) put all my clips together for a video summary of the day
That approach looks braw too.The best thing about pushin the bike up is you get to ping back down