Beinn Udlaidh and Beinn Bhreac-liath, Glen Orchy

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This pair of Corbetts provide an enjoyable hillwalk above Glen Orchy. Beinn Bhreac-liath lacks distinction, but Beinn Udlaidh has a prominent landmark - a distinctive quartzite dyke which extends almost from the summit ridge down to the glen.

Terrain

Pathless hillwalking on mostly grassy hills. Deer fence to be climbed on way to Beinn Bhreac-liath - it could be avoided by reversing the route, returning to the bealach and descending Coire Ghamnhain to pick up the track on the E side of the Allt Ghamnhain.

Public Transport

None to start; around 4km from Bridge of Orchy bus stop / rail station.

Start

By start of forest track at NN277367 on B8074 through Glen Orchy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

Land west of bealach between summits, including Beinn Udlaidh: Forestry and Land Scotland. No stalking issues.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is room to park carefully without blocking access to the forest gate just west of the bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain on the B8074 through Glen Orchy. From here begin by walking a short distance east along the road, crossing the bridge and then taking a right through a gate (often locked) onto the track leading to the whitewashed cottage at Invergaunan. Keep straight ahead before the cottage to continue on the grassy track to the right of the cottage and then some trees. The track soon becomes stony again. Go through the kissing gate next to the main gate and continue up the glen.

Stage 2

At the track junction turn left and after approximately 450m, just before the first stream, turn right from the track to head uphill. This area has been planted with native trees but it is easy to pick a line up that avoids them. The going soon becomes drier underfoot and remains grassy beyond the young trees. As height is gained excellent views open up over Bridge of Orchy and its surrounding peaks. The line of descent from Beinn Udlaidh following a quartzite dyke can also be seen over to the right.

Stage 3

Eventually the gradient eases. Continue across the broad summit ridge with good views to Beinn Dorain to the east. This section would be easy walking, but a new deer fence has been constructed across the ridge and currently has no stile. Negotiate this barrier, then continue ahead across the plateau to reach the small cairn marking the highest point. Although the flatness robs the view of depth, it offers a vantage point for the greater mountains all around - with Ben Lui looking the most magnificent.

Stage 4

The descent to the bealach to the SW is gradual and grassy at first, becoming steeper with some broken crags to avoid lower down. A fence crosses the low ground. Aim for the gate in the fence on the right (north) side of the bealach and go through it. Beyond this a faint path leads towards the foot of the climb up Beinn Udlaidh. Again there are broken rocks at first (aim left to void) before the gradient eases into an open grassy slope higher up.

Stage 5

The route keeps well to the right of a drystone dyke as it curves northwest and then north across the plateau. The highest point on the mountain is probably atop the line of a quartz dyke which cuts across the summit - though the actual cairn is a short distance beyond.

Stage 6

The cairn used to be a large structure, but is now reduced to a few piles of stones; it remains a great viewpoint.

Stage 7

Continue north down the ridge until a second quartz dyke - the one so prominent in views of Beinn Udlaidh from the northeast - is reached. Follow this as it leads roughly NE to make the descent, there are small sections of a path in places but the descent is mostly pathless until the fence.

Stage 8

Follow the dyke all the way down heading towards the eastern corner of the forestry plantation in the glen below. Eventually follow a faint path on the left hand side of a fence enclosing young native trees. When a fence is reached ahead (enclosing the pine plantation) go through the gate on the right in the higher fence and follow the rugged, faint path just on the right hand side of the fence. At the bottom go through the gate and turn left along the track. Keep on main track (avoiding the boggier, faint track to the right) and go through the foresty plantation before a section out of the trees nearer the river and then through the trees again. Emerging from the pines continue ahead as the boggier track joins from the right to eventually return to the gate to the road at the start of the walk.

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