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This walk seems like ages ago now, not sure how much I'll actually remember about it!
Having taken the bike up to Ben Vorlich at Loch Lomond a few days before, I fancied another combined cycling/walking trip and thought what better hill to stage this trip than Beinn Bhuidhe with its long 4-5 mile fairly flat walk in to its base.
By the time I found my way to the head of Loch Fyne, parked in the small car park next to the quarry entrance road, sorted my bike out, got suited and booted it was about half 12. No problem though as this should be a relatively short day compared to what I was used to being just one Munro and cycling well over half the distance.
It started off pretty easy on a flat tarmac road. Easy to cycle/walk and easy to follow. You turn right as soon as you come out the car park and cross a bridge across River Fyne, rather than taking the other road that goes towards a quarry/power station. I remember passing by a huge herd of cows at one point that were just wandering about the path so had to slow right down and carefully pass them as I didn't want to be chased up the hill by those great beasts!
Crossing over the River Fyne at the start by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Smooth cycling ahead by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
After about half an hour of cycling along this path at a relaxed pace, crossing one bridge on the way, and passing by some houses, you come to a second bridge at a right turn. Don't turn here though, it's a dead end that takes you to some building for the pipe lines which you can now see above you in the wee hills to the east of you. Instead, leave the tarmac and head onto a dirt track for another 5 minutes until you come to the big gate asking cyclists to dismount. It turns out the path after this is still very cyclable all the way to the base of Beinn Bhuidhe but rules are rules!
Straight ahead off road by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Black Knight chained up! by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Looking back down Glen Fyne by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
The sun was poking in and out the sky at this point so I mucked about for a while taking photos and grabbed some refreshments before heading on up the track. Passed someone at the gate who seemed a bit disgruntled at me saying hello. I'll never understand why people are like that?
Anyway, bike chained up to the kindly provided big bike rack I was off again up through into the trees. Taking my time and enjoying having my actual camera around my neck instead of my phone camera when cycling I spotted a cool looking bridge through the trees down to the right, not sure who it would be used by down there though. And also seen some tasty looking mushrooms. Maybe save them for the trip back!
Cool bridge across River Fyne by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Mmmm mushrooms! by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Not being a very popular walk, due to the distance out the way compared to others in the area and the long walk in, I wasn't sure what to expect of Beinn Bhuidhe and the surrounding area but upon exiting from the trees you get a great view of Glen Fyne all around you and Ceann Garbh ahead. With the sun shining this place looked magic with the River Fyne running down on your right and all the bright colours around you of the green grass and purple heather. But all of a sudden a quick downpour of rain appeared out of nowhere. I didn't want to get all the waterproofs and jacket out so took shelter in some trees next to a small burn until it passed.
Walking out the trees by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
The base of Beinn Bhuidhe (948m) by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Taking shelter in the trees by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
After about another 20 minutes or so of walking after dumping the bike at the gate, you reach the old house at Inverchorachan. Had a wee peek inside through one of the windows and it seemed to have loads of logs stored in there. Wonder who put them there and what for!? Along with some rubbish and litter. Didn't look round the back to see if there was an open door as maybe people use this as a bothy. Just round the corner is a gate, and as soon as you go through it take the next gate on your left as per the WalkHighlands route which then fires straight up the hill quite steeply. You've had long enough to warm up though by now so no excuses for puffing and panting!! I started to take some layers off now because of this and the sun was splitting the sky now making it pretty toasty. You pretty much follow the Allt na Faing for 20 minutes or so, so you can always splash your face with some cool water here.
House at Inverchorachan by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Fast flowing Allt na Faing by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
A good pool to cool doon by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
After so long, the view of a waterfall straight ahead opens up. You then pass by this on the left to reach a much rockier area with many undulating hills all around. It started raining at this time and some cloud began to form up ahead so I couldn't see much of the pretty steep section ahead. There's a path the whole way though so it's pretty easy really. Then suddenly, you pop your head over the top and get a great view north west towards Loch Awe. There's a cairn here to mark the turn for the side route down the hill but not to worry about that yet, still the final ascent to contend with!
Head for the waterfall by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Onwards and upwards by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Rainbow over Glen Fyne by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Getting claggy by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
In awe of Loch Awe by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
It was only another 15-20 minutes maybe to the top from here and it was all pretty straightforward. Nothing too steep or rocky. Unfortunately I didn't really get a good view of where I was going as the cloud had came right in on me and then I bumped into a guy who I think I gave quite a fright to as he was chatting away to himself then all of a sudden looked up and spotted me only about 10ft infront of him with a look on his face like this:
I hung about at the top for a while, having my pieces and marvelling at the beautiful view all around me of... clouds.
Another summit, another anti climax with no decent views. Are there any Munros in Spain maybe!!?
Close to the edge by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Summit of Beinn Bhuidhe (948m) by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Made it! Beinn Bhuidhe (948m) by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
The way back down was supposed to be not as steep as the ascent but it turned out pretty messy in my opinion. I didn't like it at all. Back to the cairn I mentioned earlier and around the side. The path disappeared quickly though and I was left to fend for myself down the steep grassy slopes. I hate going up and down the same route but I think I would have preferred to have done that here as it turned into another one of those painful descents where I constantly curse at myself for having such a stupid hobby of walking up and down hills just to add another name to a numbered list! It was still a fairly nice day though so I just tried to enjoy the scenery, looking forward to getting back on the bike for the painless cycle back.
I also found some sheep tracks through some high grass that was up well past my waist which was quite cool to see. Heading down though, just aiming for the same house you passed at the start, jumping over fences and burns when you reach them. It was easy enough navigation wise but might have been a bit more difficult if I couldn't see where I was heading. Only difficulty was catching my shorts on some wire when crossing a fence!
Stalking some sheep by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Jump the fence, but watch yer breeks by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Glen Fyne looking fine! by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Mossy fence post by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
I finally got off the hill and just around the corner from where I started. Crossed a wee bridge and through the gate again and I was on my way back. Glad to be back on flat land, I was able to up the pace again and enjoy the walk back to my bike. After jumping on the bike, about half way back I passed by a couple of fawns. One ran away but the other just stood and watched me from quite close. Pity I had to put my camera away for the cycle or I would have got much better shot of it. And as always, trying to keep some variety to the day, I decided to pass through the quarry on the way back hoping it was too late for any activity to be going on in case I got huckled for trespassing!
Bridge at Inverchorachan by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Looking down Glen Fyne by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Couple of wee fawn by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
Shut up shop for the day by
Rossco 7, on Flickr
All in all, a great wee Munro.
The immediate views of Glen Fyne are splendid for the whole walk so I would definitely advise it. Not too difficult or long when cycling the path in. Not sure how long a day it would be if walking the whole lot though.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1277438