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Just a quick trip report for this route starting 2km south of the Rest and be Thankful . I had seen beautiful panoramas of the Arrochar Alps taken from the summit of this hill but as I drove up the side of Loch Lomond in the mirk I knew all I would be seeing was a couple of damp sheep . I parked in the lay-by just south of the Croe Water bridge at NN243060 and set off across the oddly sloping footbridge .
- lay-by on A83
- Footbridge across Croe.....slippy
Once across there is a clear path running up the side of a pine plantation , through a gap in a fence and out onto the open hill ,following the northern bank of the wooded gorge holding Croe Water .
- Path leading onto open hillside
- Heading NW beside burn
This path heads NE towards Beinn Ime so after maybe 300m I cut off north up the long ridge leading to Beinn Luibhean.As height is gained the going underfoot improves , wet bracken giving way to grass and crags. There is no path but navigation is straightforward ,following the ridge due north .
- Heading north
- Interesting ground to explore
The rain by now was fairly heavy so I was delighted to find a cave ,maybe 15ft long , beneath a crag . After reassuring myself that nothing dangerous was resident I squeezed in ,sat down and had a wee rest .
- Home from home
After 10 minutes of contemplation and chocolate I headed out into the rain and on towards the summit. The ridge climbs steadily then levels off near the top before the micro- cairn is reached .
- cairn
Aware of the total lack of anything resembling a view , I didn't hang around and scampered off south along the ridge . On the way down I retraced my steps , picking a way between crags and down grassy slopes,losing height quickly and before long I was looking down on the Croe bridge and the road .
- Back down to A83
This hill is definitely one I'll revisit on a fine day,at two and a half hours start to finish (including cave break) ,it makes a great short but steep walk, well away from the crowds and erosion of its taller neighbours .