Though rather overshadowed by its great neighbour Ben Lui, Beinn Chuirn still offers an enjoyable hillwalk with some good views.
Bog Factor
Good track for approach; hill itself is pathless with boggy sections.
North-west of ridge: Forestry and Land Scotland. No stalking issues.
Dalrigh.
Citilink buses pass along the nearby A82 between Fort William and Glasgow.
NN343291
There is a good sized car park off the A82 road by taking the turning for Dalrigh; keep left after taking the turn and the car park is on the left. Begin the walk by turning back right out of the car park entrance, and then left on the track towards Glen Cononish. Keep right at a fork to pass above a new house, then right again at the next fork (sign for Ben Lui NNR). Soon the track leads under the railway line and then continues up the glen.
Beinn Chuirn is prominently seen ahead, with the tumbling Eas Anie well seen as the easy track continues for several kilometres. Eventually the glen curves round and the majestic outline of Ben Lui begins to dominate the view. Continue to Cononish Farm, keeping left at the fork, and passing through two gates.
Continue for 300m beyond the second gate and fence before striking off up the open slopes to the NW - keeping well south of the Eas Anie. There is a vague path at first, and for a time to going improves with a faint grassy ATV track zig-zagging up the shoulder. The ground levels off at around 600m and it may be best to head briefly west - now on boggier ground- before crossing the burn and aiming N up the slopes once more.
The slope has some broken rocks but the gradient is easy up to the shoulder to the east of Beinn Chuirn - crags fall sharply into Coire na Saobhaidhe from here.
Head along the ridge, passing the back of a dramatic gully - to reach the summit cairn. The views are good, with glimpses of the road far below in Glen Lochay, and Ben Lui towering impressively.
It is possible to descend briefly northwards and then turn east steeply down the northern arm of Coire na Saobhaidhe before heading down via the corrie. However, retracing the route of ascent is the easier option.
Beinn Chuirn is perhaps best known for the gold mine, bypassed by the walk as it lies just north of the Eas Anie, though it can be seen on the walk up Glen Cononish. This was granted planning permission by the national park to re-open on a larger scale, though with the fluctuating price of gold, the development has not yet gone ahead.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
