Ben Challum, near Tyndrum

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Ben Challum is not a distinguished peak when seen from the A82, as to this side it shows only sprawling grassy slopes. From the Glen Lochay side its fine peak is more prominent. The ascent is usually made from Kirkton Farm, with boggy lower slopes but a fine final ridge connecting the two summits.

Terrain

Faint path up fairly easy angled hillside; very boggy for much of the way. Some of the stiles are awkward!

Public Transport

Citylink buses pass along the nearby A82 between Fort William and Glasgow.

Start

Layby on A82 just north of Kirkton Farm turning. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

Southern approaches from Tyndrum area and Auchtertyre: no stalking issues.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking layby on the west side of the A82 just north of the turning for Kirkton Farm - a research centre of SRUC, Scotland's Rural College. Begin the walk by crossing the road and following the lane down to a bridge. Cross this and keep along the track to the Farm, turning left just before reaching it; this is part of the West Highland Way. Go through a gate, passing the remains of a chapel and graveyard, and then leave the West Highland Way, keeping on a track straight ahead, passing to the right of another cemetery with two tall, prominent trees. This track crosses the railway at a level crossing (it isn't permitted to use the bridge further east).

Stage 2

Once across the railway continue very briefly on the track before taking a faint path uphill, bearing right to eventually continue alongside a deer fence. At two points there are high stiles to cross over the fences which run across the slope. There are some very boggy sections as the route undulates over some minor bumps. Further on it is necessary to cross to the other side of the fence at some point to avoid the worst of the swamps.

Stage 3

The going begins to improve on the long steady pull up to the south top, following a line of fenceposts almost all the way. By now the views are beginning to really open up, with Ben More and Stob Binnein and others crowding the horizon.

Stage 4

From the south summit care is needed in mist, as the ridge is split in two by a cleft. Head west for a short distance to cross this cleft before following the ridge on the far side north. The ridge descends briefly before reascending to the main Munro summit of Ben Challum (or Ben Challuim if you are using the 1:25 000 map!)

Stage 5

The views are very extensive and well repay the ascent; in addition to the peaks mentioned there is a fine view down Glen Lochay.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps back along the ridge to the south summit.

Stage 7

From here continue to retrace your steps for the whole return walk, making sure not to slip on the wet ground whilst admiring the superb views.

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