Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh, from Glen Orchy

Summary

Climb up from Eas Urchaidh falls on the beautiful River Orchy, passing alongside an ancient Caledonian pinewood, to gain the open slopes of this rather forgotten Corbett. The summit offers superb views of the higher mountains all around in this part of the Highlands.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tracks and paths through the forest, then open grassy slopes - pathless higher up.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Car park opposite the Eas Urchaidh falls, Glen Orchy.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN243320

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 752m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh

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Walk Description

User reports (14)

Stage 1

There is a car park opposite the bridge at NN243320 in Glen Orchy. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge into the forest; the River Orchy here has carved a narrow channel through a rocky bed and it thunders through when in spate - this is the Eas Urchaidh falls. On the far side, ignore the track off to the left and keep straight ahead. After 400m follow the track to the left - signed 'Mountain Access'. It climbs a little but soon it nears the Allt Brioghleachan.

Stage 2

After 2km there is a junction; leave the main track here (signed for Allt Brioghleachan reserve), instead turning right (signed Mountain Access Route) and heading down to cross a footbridge. On the far side head left, following Mountain Access sign along a grassy track/path. This fords a small burn, and soon runs along the right side of a deer fence.

Stage 3

On the other side of the fence are the native birches and pines of the Allt Broighleachan Caledonian reserve - a remant of Scotland's ancient forest but now completely surrounded by spruce plantations. Above this the path crosses a couple more small burns, and becomes more of a track. The end of the forestry is then reached at a gate in the deer fence.

Stage 4

The open slopes of Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh now rise ahead, whilst the remains of old shielings border the burn. A faint path bears right to cross the burn and then begin climbing northwards up the grassy shoulder that encloses the east side of Coire Chailleach. At one point there is a view down to the burn where a fine waterfall plunges into an idyllic pool.

Stage 5

Eventually any trace of a path peters out, but the ascent continues up the open slope to the east of the burn. The views back over Ben Lui are excellent, and higher up the view includes a section of Loch Awe and even the Paps of Jura if visibility is clear. Continue up onto the undulating plateau.

Stage 6

The summit lies over to the west, over hummocky ground. The approach to the cairn reveals at view of the Ben Cruachan range ahead.

Stage 7

Various descents are possible, but if returning to Glen Orchy the easiest option is to retrace your steps.

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