Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig, near Tyndrum

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Summary

Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhcraig are satellites of mighty Ben Lui. Although the mountains themselves are not particularly distinguished, the approach walk leads through natural pine and birch forest and is very picturesque, though also very wet. Beinn Dubhcraig offers a fine view down Loch Lomond, whilst the Ben Lui looks simply magnificent from Ben Oss.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Extremely boggy path on the lower approach. Higher up the going is drier; the ridges are broad but rocky and undulating and with some crags - can be confusing terrain in poor visibility.

Public Transport

None. Nearest is train and bus at Tyndrum which is 2.5km walk on WHW.

Start

Dalrigh. Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1230m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN343291

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn Dubhchraig
Munro: Ben Oss

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (57)

Stage 1

There is a large car park off the A82 road, reached by taking the turning for Dalrigh; keep left and the car park is on the left. Beinn Dubhcraig can be seen from here - the outline of the ridge rising over the trees. The walk begins by continuing along the tarmac lane to cross the West Highland Way and then an old stone bridge - the White Bridge or Drochaid Bhan in Gaelic. On the far side of the river, turn right onto a smaller track. This soon runs close by the railway line (which is on your left). The track then swings left to cross over the railway on a bridge.

Stage 2

On the far side go through the gate. A path goes off to the right across open ground from here, aiming for the footbridge over the Allt Gleann Auchreoch just above its confluence with the River Cononish. Once across the burn turn left upstream. You are now entering the beautiful pinewood known as Coille Coire-Chuilc, a remnant of the original Caledonian Forest.

Stage 3

The path continues to be sodden, running a short distance above the river at first before heading southwest, keeping to the north side of the Allt Coire Dubhcraig - a substantial side-stream. Several waterfalls add to the beauty of the setting, despite the wet going. Further on a broken fence is passed through beside a now defunct stile.

Stage 4

The path continues to be boggy but beautiful, with one particularly fine waterfall over the left. The pines have given way to birches by this point but soon these too are left behind for more open ground (though there are Sitka plantations further right and on the other side of the river); cross over a subsidiary burn at one point. The path becomes much better underfoot and continues beside the Allt Coire Dubhcraig. At one point the stream flows through a series of steep-sided rocky pools, and further on the ascent steepens where the water flows through a small gorge. Higher up the path peters out but continuing in the same direction, the broad ridge is reached.

Stage 5

Once on the flat back of the ridge a fairly clear path leads southeast for a short and straightforward final climb to Beinn Dubhcraig - with only around 80m of ascent along the broad ridge. There is a superb view south down Loch Lomond, flanked by its Ben and also taking in scores of hills. Return back down the ridge to where you first gained it; the path heads very briefly southwest before continuing to the left of a series of small lochans.

Stage 6

Beyond these the path descends more steeply down rockier ground to reach the Bealach Buidhe, overlooking Loch Oss. Continue on the path to the far side of the bealach. Look out for a tiny cairn that marks the point to leave the clearer path - an old stalkers route across the flank of Ben Oss. Instead follow a fainter path that heads west up a grassy slope at first; soon this path becomes better defined and leads up to the northeastern top of Ben Oss.

Stage 7

A short descent leads to a minor bealach before the final, easier ascent to Ben Oss begins. This follows a better defined ridge heading just west of south, with a good path leading to the summit cairn. At 1029m Ben Oss is a fine and substantial mountain in its own right, but the far more majestic Ben Lui set just to the west completely dominates the view - looking nothing short of magnificent.

Stage 8

Return over the northeast top and down to the bealach with Beinn Dubhcraig. Do not attempt to descend north from here as the bealach is guarded by crags. Instead it is necessary to reascend eastwards, retracing your steps along the path back up towards Beinn Dubhcraig. Once you are beyond the lochans on the ridge head northeast to reach the point where you first gained the ridge. From here reverse your ascent route from earlier in the day, heading back down beside the Allt Coire Dubhcraig. The path leads back down to reach the birch and pinewoods, backed by views of Ben Challum; continue right back to the start.

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