The Luss Classic

[Craiging619]

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It's been almost six months since my last hillwalk, so I figured it was about time to get back into the swing of things now the weather's picking up again. My last attempt at these hills ended in disappointment when a friend and I had to turn back at the summit of Beinn Eich amidst appalling conditions, and I was determined to return soon and complete the round of the four Grahams around Glen Mollochan. Yesterday I caught the Citylink bus up to Luss and set off at 9.30, with the whole day ahead of me. Unlike last time, conditions got steadily better rather than worse!

Beinn Eich from the roadside at Edentaggart. A stile and signpost point the way to Beinn Eich just before the farm.

Immediately, a great view opens up down Glen Luss to Loch Lomond and Conic Hill.

Just like last time, the path was lost after the second drystone wall, but by turning North and finding the ridge line, it was regained.

In 1hr 10mins the summit of Beinn Eich was reached. The cloud finally started to break at this point, giving a bird's eye of Glen na Caorainn to the South.

From Beinn Eich I followed a faint path along the ridge to a col at 544m, then stayed roughly level to reach for the 515m col between Beinn Lochain and Cruach an t-Sídhean.

In about 20 minutes from the col, the summit of Cruac an t-Sídhean is reached. The views open out to Loch Long, Faslane and Cowal to the West.

A great view across to the next summit, Doune Hill.

I returned to the col and climbed Beinn Lochain before turning North just before the summit and aiming for the trig point of Doune Hill, the highest of the Luss Hills.

A short descent North-East to a col reveals the last summit, Beinn Dubh, to the East.

The long descent down this gully to Glen Mollochan was, surprisingly, the least pleasant part of the day. Conditions were muddy and, when combined with the steepness, meant I was bound to fall over at some point. At least no-one was watching.

After escaping the gully and wandering through hummocky grass for what seemed like forever, I steadied myself for the long final push up Beinn Dubh. Thankfully, the ridge was so steep that height was gained quickly and views opened out again over Glen Mollochan.

Doune Hill from the West ridge of Beinn Dubh.

With much relief, the final Graham of the day was bagged, affording great views to the North to The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps.

The Eastern ridge of Beinn Dubh heads towards Loch Lomond before dropping sharply towards Luss.

An amazing view over Inverbeg and the loch to Ben Lomond.

The Northern part of the loch is visible through the haze.

From the subsidary (642m) top of Beinn Dubh, a good path descends the South-Eastern ridge to Luss. The views of the loch here were breathtaking, and rounded off a great day magnificently.

I wanted to make the 7pm bus to Balloch, so ended up having to jog down the hill to the bridge at Luss. Not too easy after four mountains!

[GraemeMac]

Looks like a great day. A good way to get great views of the loch without the crowds of people, like on ben lomond

[ChrisW]

great report & some real atmosphere in some of those pics

[IainWhite]

great report, and the pics are good to, looks like a bit off a treck

[lomondwalkers]

Great report, thats a tough walk after a 6 month lay off. Been up most of the Luss hills as they are just 20 mins up the road, the descent off Doune hill really is a bugger