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.

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.

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.

Users' reports

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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 onto the track leading to the whitewashed cottage at Invergaunan. Just before reaching the cottage leave the main track to follow faint grassy ATV tracks across the boggy pastures.

Stage 2

Once beyond the drystone wall choose a point to strike off and begin the climb up the pathless slopes to the ESE. The going soon becomes drier and remains grassy. As height is gained excellent views open up over Bridge of Orchy and its surrounding peaks.

Stage 3

Eventually the gradient eases. Continue across the broad summit ridge. 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 to reach the tiny 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 at first, becoming steeper with some broken crags to avoid lower down. The bealach itself is crossed by a new fence, but a gate has now been added. Beyond this a faint path leads towards the foot of the climb up Beinn Udlaidh. Again there are broken rocks at first 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 summit was marked with a very well-built cairn, though it has been destroyed and is now a makeshift affair. Luckily the remains of the transmitter mast and broken trailer shown in the photo have been removed.

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.

Stage 8

Follow the dyke all the way down to the eastern corner of the forestry in the glen below. At the junction of fences, head through the gate in the higher fence on the right before descending on the right side of the forest fence. The ground in the glen above here has been planted with new native woodland. A track is reached at the floor of the glen. Turn left along this - using the pedestrian gate at the fence to enter the old forestry. Follow the main track, which bears right at a fork to avoid the older boggy route ahead; it leads to the gate (sometimes locked - may need to climb) to the road at the start of the walk.

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