Beinn Viewy - Rocky mountain rambling on a perfect day

[Chris Mac]

Beinn-Bhuidhe_track.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Training for the Three Lochs Way in a day next month continues and for a while I had pencilled in Beinn Bhuidhe for our training due to the long walk in and out added to a big, rocky Munro to climb. If this didn't get the legs in good shape for the big day then the others would be in trouble.

Having done several big days up north already this month, a measly 20km or so and just one mountain (with no 45mph winds) would be a piece of cake.

Initially the forescast was for strong winds and some showers but it would turn out to mean everywhere except where we were walking, perfect!

Surprisingly and against the trend so far, I was first to arrive at the car park at the head of Loch Fyne! Janice, Craig and Rosie arrived next as we waited on Wullie. It turned out that his sat nav equated Loch Fyne Oyster Bar with the snack van at rest and be thankful! Craig asked how his roll and oyster was for breakfast.

With Janice up at the roadside in a yellow jacket so he could see her it wasn't long until Wullie joined us and we set off over the bridge at Inverfyne, enjoying a lovely morning:
DSC_0312 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The fine River Fyne:
DSC_0315 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Glen Fyne, nice and long:
DSC_0320 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I'm already contemplating taking this track down Newton Hill for the descent, depending on how easy it is to reach the start of it and how long it's been extended from the OS map.
DSC_0325 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It was like a highland zoo for the start of the walk as we passed a deer farm:
DSC_0329 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We discovered at this point that Janice is quite bad at recognising animals from a distance, not having a clue that we were looking at deer until it was mentioned!
DSC_0331 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Cheeky:
DSC_0335 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Highland Coo's too:
DSC_0336 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rosie wanted to take a cute baby one home!
DSC_0340 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Auchreoch and Cruach Tuirc:
DSC_0342 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We were in good spirits as we walked up the long glen and I explained the topography of the massive hill we were climbing and that this massive arm on our side is Beinn Bhuidhe, or one side of it at least:
DSC_0343 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Clachan Hill of Beinn Bhuidhe. On the other side of the river is the track we'll probably take back down via Newton Hill:
DSC_0346 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We cross the river and continue up the north west side of the river as we pass Cruach Tuirc and Eagle Falls:
DSC_0352 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Speeding along on the good surface:
DSC_0356 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Crossing the rivers is about the half way point walking up the glen:
DSC_0365 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Passing the house with the very camouflaged roof according to someone that saw this photo!
DSC_0367 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We were making good progress and ahead of Naismith before the path opened out again as we approached Invercorachan, with our route ahead up the left side of the Allt na Faing now in view:
DSC_0374 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach the gate that marks the turn off point to astart the ascent. Ben Lui is now in view further up the glen:
DSC_0383 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Two guys who we chatted to briefly at the car park started walking past until we said this was the route ahead. We lost a few layers as they went on ahead. Conditions were surprisingly pleasant and not as previously advertised:
DSC_0387 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now it was a case of head up the Allt gorge path on the left hand side:
DSC_0393 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Oss now in view next to Ben Lui:
DSC_0395 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

If i'm being honest I had the group slightly out of their comfort zone for this walk as although they have done a few Munros, none match Beinn Buidhe for size, remoteness, exposure and rockiness. I knew this walk would put some new muscles on their legs and it would also be a good test of character with a small scrambling section to deal with, or not, seeing as thankfully there was a bypass option if nobody fancied it.

So far, although quite exposed in places, everyone was coping fine with the path up:
DSC_0400 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0410 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The top of the gorge comes into view, no waterfall today though...
DSC_0412 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Where the tree line ends in the image above is where the scrambling section is. Behind me, Rosie posey was doing her usual!
DSC_0417 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Just before the scramble:
DSC_0422 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reached the rocky section of path with three options: scramble along the ledge/rock line, scramble up a little further along, or take the bypass path. I climbed up and dumped my bag at the other side, then returned to assist the others.

Wullie went first, got about half way then decided he didn't like it. By now the faces of the others indicated that they didn't fancy it either!

Craig could probably have stepped up it he's so tall but I put fears at ease by pointing to the grassy bypass option up the hillside to the left before scrambling back to my bag and popping up to the top of the bypass to check how they were doing. Stress avoided, here they come:
DSC_0424 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

They all joined the main path again and accusations of me trying to kill them began! Where have I heard this before?!

Having been walking for a good 2 and a half hours by now there was chat of a lunch break and as it was almost lunchtime we stopped just further up from here on the rocks of the dry burn and set up camp:
DSC_0425 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We relaxed and enjoyed the view back while also chatting to a few people walking past including a nice guy and his dog who we'd pass and chat to a few times and another gent who had planned on visiting the Lawers group today but settled on heading further west in hope of better weather. This would prove to be an inspired decision by both him and us today!

Refreshed and with thoughts of their guide trying to kill them now at the back of their minds, the group set off again!
DSC_0432 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

On the path heading up the hillside, guy and dog up ahead:
DSC_0434 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Slightly less steep now and smiles return!
DSC_0454 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The usual assortment of haribo was keeping us going as I stated "don't worry I can see the summit now (miles off in the distance!)":
DSC_0456 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The gang would soon learn that I was using the carrot on a stick technique to get them up this beast of a mountain!

As we gained height the views were opening up to the Crianlarich Munros and Ben Vorlich:
DSC_0460 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Lomond and Ben Vane also in view along with the now extended hydro track which has left a massive scar on the side of Beinn Bhuidhe. Although not on the OS map and always preferring a loop to an out and back walk, I was already thinking of taking that route back down off the mountain:
DSC_0468 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You're doing great, not that long now...
DSC_0473 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We continue up the hillside as the path gets a bit boggier:
DSC_0477 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another gradient increase, this hill just keeps on going:
DSC_0488 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Behind us the Arrochar Alps were now showing off with Beinn Ime and Stob Coire Creagach now in view:
DSC_0491 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The views were already outstanding and I took far too many photos and zoom shots of the surrounding peaks, which can be found on Flickr for those wanting even more mountain porn.

Ben More and Stob Binnein were also now in view and I recalled how much Beinn Bhuidhe stood out to me from there a few years back when it first went onto my radar:
DSC_0496 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Arrochar hills next door:
DSC_0508 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another slightly level section before the long steep ascent up onto the main ridge of Beinn Bhuidhe:
DSC_0511 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Up that way:
DSC_0512 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Spirits were flagging again at this point as we looked ahead to the wall of grass and rock that we now had to clamber up:
DSC_0519 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Despite many constant questions already such as "are we there yet" I continued to partially ignore any protests and insist that any pain felt now and over the next few days, along with hatred for me for dragging them up here, would soon be forgotten by next week once they grow new leg muscles and get used to them.

No point stalling...
DSC_0520 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We head up the rocky but good path:
DSC_0522 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As a nice surprise, when you think you've climbed the steep bit the hillside turns slightly and you have the same again to ascend! Janice was struggling a bit and decided to have a break in a snow patch to make a snow angel after I had reached it and started throwing a few snowballs at them!

Fun time is over, now get up this hill and leave the snow for another day!
DSC_0539 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Is I wait I soak in the stunning views east and south:
DSC_0542 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You're all doing great peeps! Ben Arthur and Beinn an Lochain now in view:
DSC_0554 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At long last we reach the top of the ridge and finally get to enjoy the view west. It doesn't disappiont as Ben Cruachan dominates:
DSC_0555 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Mull just next door too:
DSC_0557 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another big mountain complex i'm looking forward to visiting, hopefully later this year:
DSC_0560 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn a' Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich:
DSC_0563 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view north to the hills of Glen Etive, Glen Coe, the Mamores, even Ben Nevis can be seen although it looks like rain on the way:
DSC_0564 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Ben:
DSC_0569 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Black Mount:
DSC_0572 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now we just have a rocky ridge to traverse:
DSC_0575 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Summit area now in view, still a fair bit away though:
DSC_0578 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Getting closer:
DSC_0580 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Wullie wasn't enjoying the exposed parts of the path that much, possibly still in shock from the scramble attempt early on!
DSC_0589 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking down Loch Fyne:
DSC_0591 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0592 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The ridge still seemingly going on forever, which I am fine with but the noise of moaning behind me asking why we were not yet at the summit was definitely getting louder!
DSC_0595 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At this point the path doubles back slightly and passes a puddle lochan, after Wullie gets to leave his exposed comfort zone once more:
DSC_0597 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Once you are here the summit is really close, honest!
DSC_0603 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rosie can sense it, she's all smiles again, meanwhile Janice is still in shock!!
DSC_0607 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The final section:
DSC_0612 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben More and Stob Binnein behind us:
DSC_0616 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Almost there...
DSC_0620 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We made it, well done everyone!
DSC_0621 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I blether to our friend from earlier shown here and we both look around and agree we made a good choice climbing Beinn Bhuidhe today. I'm already thinking that Beinn Viewy is a better name for it already, not many walk reports for this hill have had views like we have!

Ben Cruachan:
DSC_0622 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

North to Ben Lui and co.:
DSC_0623 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Queen:
DSC_0625 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Incoming rain behind Beinn Dubhchraig and Ben Oss:
DSC_0626 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I take a 4k summit video - https://flic.kr/p/2eG7nqj

Now that they are sitting down and feeling on top of the world, with views to die for (not today please) and the bad weather still staying away from our location, the Stray Cats are finally happy and not moaning, woohoo!
DSC_0630 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I continue to admire the view moving round clockwise from the north... you just stay there thanks rain:
DSC_0634 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Crianlarich giants getting a soaking:
DSC_0635 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The rest of the neighbouring Munros about to get the same treatment:
DSC_0636 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

That's Ben Ledi in the distance:
DSC_0637 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Lomond:
DSC_0638 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Vane, Narnain, Ime, Arthur, Luibhean and The Brack:
DSC_0639 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's time for a quick nosey with the big lens. Loch Fyne and the view south:
DSC_0641 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Cowal Hills:
DSC_0642 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Behind them are Arran's distant Corbett ridges:
DSC_0647 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking down the Clyde:
DSC_0651 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I continue to take lots of zoom shots of the many main summits dotted all around us. Beinn Bhuidhe really is a superb viewpoint!

Beinn an Lochain summit:
DSC_0655 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Arthur's summit:
DSC_0662 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Lomond:
DSC_0669 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Vorlich:
DSC_0671 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

An Caisteal, Beinn a' Chroin and Beinn Chabhair. Behind them the summits of Ben Vorlich, Stuc a' Chroin and Beinn Eich at Loch Earn can be seen in all of the dips between hills:
DSC_0680 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The twins again:
DSC_0683 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Lui and Beinn a' Chleibh, the hill in shadow to the left is Beinn Dorain:
DSC_0685 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I spot Bidean nam Bian to the north, another favourite mountain:
DSC_0691 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

BnB & SCS:
DSC_0692 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Starav:
DSC_0694 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A few more shots of Ben Cruachan - Stob Daimh and the view west again:
DSC_0697 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben Cruachan:
DSC_0698 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn a' Bhuiridh with Ben Cruachan and some of it's tops behind it:
DSC_0699 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Oban, Argyll and Lorn:
DSC_0702 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ben More of Mull and it's other big hills:
DSC_0704 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The rain on Mull falls mainly... all over the island, well the time I was there it did!
DSC_0705 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

South west looking over Argyll:
DSC_0706 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0707 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Paps of Jura to the south:
DSC_0708 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0710 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I decide I should probably have a break too and sit to enjoy some lunch. We blether and soak in the views as I point out various summits and areas to the others. Janice had commented earlier saying I should record a hill facts podcast for people to listed to as they climb mountains!

With us all refreshed and still surprised that we didn't encounter strong winds up here today, as had been forecast, it was time to head back down again. Little puddle lochan down below:
DSC_0713 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The rest of the group didn't fancy descending the way we came up and luckily I had an alternative route to take us down off Beinn Bhuidhe - the big bulky mountain.

We're heading further along the ridge to the easier grassy descent further north past where the main path joins:
DSC_0715 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0716 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to the summit:
DSC_0718 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Wullie and Janice lead the way:
DSC_0719 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Passing the main path up down below us, we then take the path left of the ridge line north east towards Beinn Bhuidhe East Top, following the main burn:
DSC_0720 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now on the left side of the ridge:
DSC_0729 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We cut down where the muddy bit is:
DSC_0730 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Craig and Rosie behind me with the impressive summit of Beinn Bhuidhe:
DSC_0732 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's an easy grassy slope to find a path down although keep left more than we did as the right side steepens in a few places:
DSC_0735 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You can see the extended hydro track, we'll reach that and follow it down past Newton Hill, instead of continuing down this grassy slope and back the way we came but on the opposite side of the Allt na Faing gorge up:
DSC_0750 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back up at the 903m East Top and our route down:
DSC_0754 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A bird of prey was hovering in the distance but as always happens it flew off purely because I started getting the big lens out! Probably a Buzzard we thought.

We reach the track, the gang had already been informed of the slight update in plans to take an easier route back and this had gone down a treat. I may be a hard taskmaster but it's for their own good and i'm also happy to change plans for the greater good of the group. Surprise shortcuts home can be a winner for morale!
DSC_0756 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

So much so they are racing ahead now:
DSC_0763 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Catching up and enjoying the view on the way:
DSC_0764 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig again with Glen Dochart hills Beinn nan Imirean, Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil in sunlight:
DSC_0768 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0772 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Could the man-made burn beside the track be the reason the waterfall on the way up doesn't work any more?
DSC_0774 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At the bend and steep section of track the rain is now edging closer in the distance:
DSC_0782 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

From sunlight to rain:
DSC_0789 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Quick Wullie... pose:
DSC_0791 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Profile shot of a flank of Beinn Bhuidhe - the grassy, rocky mountain:
DSC_0794 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Continuing to contour round the hillside on the track. It is an horrific scar on the hill but at least it provides a good view:
DSC_0799 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Luckily the rain continues to miss us, heading south down Loch Lomond instead, that's the kind of luck I like:
DSC_0810 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Arrochar hills starting to vanish from view now:
DSC_0813 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The track is a bit of a slog, we all agree we've definitely done the hill the right way, ascending the Allt gorge and descending this way:
DSC_0817 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back up the track:
DSC_0830 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rain missing us:
DSC_0834 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Reservoir at the 372 point of the hill:
DSC_0839 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The way ahead:
DSC_0840 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Heading past Newton Hill summit now and the view down to Loch Fyne is a cracker:
DSC_0847 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Long, tough, rocky, scary, steep, slavedriver... the chat is top notch as always on the way down as the gang discuss our adventure for the day:
DSC_0848 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

After a heck of a lot of walking this month i'll admit my feet were a little sore now:
DSC_0851 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Steep section of path coming down Newton Hill, as you may recall from the shot earlier on in the day from along the glen:
DSC_0856 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking across to Cruach Tuirc and Eagle's Fall:
DSC_0857 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Through a gate and we're now safely downhill of Beinn Bhuidhe and Newton Hill, just a long walk back up the Glen left now:
DSC_0863 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Eagle's Fall again:
DSC_0867 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We now just have the long flank of Clachan Hill to walk alongside now as we head for Loch Fyne:
DSC_0870 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Passing more Highland Cows with their calves, all still fairly relaxed as we did so:
DSC_0872 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Passing the quarry:
DSC_0879 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Quarry pool:
DSC_0885 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Approaching Clachan Power Station, we're almost there, the gang are pleased!
DSC_0886 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Over the final feature:
DSC_0887 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We passed some lambs (no Rosie you can't take one home!) a right turn past the Saw Mill and we had done it, we're suddenly in the car park! Just like that it felt like it was over not long after we started. Well I can't speak for anyone else of course!

We started packing up and said our goodbyes. We had already discussed plans for our walk the following week and as they had done so well on the big hill, along with the fact we were in training for a long distance walk, meant they would have a longer, flatter walk to do instead. Of course ascent is relative...

As it was they had conquered fears on Beinn Bhuidhe and bagged one of the remote southern Munros that could easily belong in the remote north west of Scotland, without using bicycles either, well played!

I enjoyed the drive home, everything about the day had gone perfectly and the ending was the same as Craig's chat of a Chinese takeaway on the way home was stolen by me and the rest of the evening was spent basking in the glory of another fantastic walk up a hill that blew me away with it's size, rockiness and character.

Beinn Bhuidhe, or Beinn Viewy as i'll call it from now on - already a favourite and well worth saving for a day when you'll get good visibility. Don't be like these other fools who go up into the clouds, you owe it more than that!

[rockhopper]

Good day for it and you do get some views. I like the " camouflaged roof".
Having asked about **k** once before I won't risk gammy's wrath again - thanks

[Chris Mac]

Cheers Rockhopper, yeah it was sublime, it's a cracking big mountain and the views were amazing.

Hahaha well my boss at work did it this weekend and cycled up the Glen. There is a good long pole at the fence for cyclists to park up at, if you're into that sort of thing.

Take a bike though and it forces you down the same way. Despite the new track carving a scar up the hillside it actually provided a brilliant descent view at every corner while also providing a loop option so I would still do it the same way next time. Maybe... I do quite fancy a summit camp up there and exploring some of the tops.