Bridge of Orchy train station to the Cairn between Corie an Dothaidh and Corie a' Ghabhalach



Got the 8.41 train from Dalmuir to Bridge of Orchy. Started walking at 10:48. Conditions were misty, the temperature was above freezing, no snow on the ground at this point. Took the standard route from Bridge of Orchy up through Corie an Dothaidh to the Cairn at 744m. Instead of going right to Beinn Dorain or left to Beinn an Dothaidh, I went straight ahead and down into Corie a' Ghabhalach.

Corie a' Ghabhalach to Dirt track just past the dam at GR: (401351)

Initially, there was no distinct path down. I kept left gradually working my way down the somewhat steep descent made even more difficult by the slushy show and boggy terrain which resulted in me slipping a couple of times. Nonetheless, I pushed forward sticking to the left-hand side of the river which runs down the middle of the Corie. At times I picked up a very faint path and even 4 by 4 tracks but they disappeared as quickly as they appeared. I kept to the left-hand side of the river the whole way down and at about GR: (405343) the slope became really steep and in combination with the slushy snow made it quite slippy. Luckily, I didn't fall and made it down to join the dirt track just past the dam at GR: (401351).

Dirt track just past the dam at GR: (401351) to Beinn Mhanach summit

From here I took the dirt track left up towards Lon na Cailliche 638m passing two stream crossings en route. I then followed an old line of fence posts up until they turned left. From here I took a diagonal route towards the summit of Beinn Mhanach. The ascent wasn't too steep and would be straightforward in dry conditions but the wet snowy sludge covering the slope made it slow going. The weather during the ascent was misty and visibility was poor. I relied on the MapsMe app for navigation as it works well offline, is simple to use and has not let me down yet. Terrian was wet and boggy and made worse by a patchy layer of slushy snow on top. I had to constantly watch my footing in case I would slip. I didn't have crampons or an ice axe with me.

Beinn Mhanach summit to Dirt track GR: (398267)

I took the standard route down the opposite side following the fence posts along Allt a' Churin stream. This route was steeper than the way up and I slipped several times but being a more direct route, I was down to the dirt track in no time.

Dirt track GR: (398267) to Green Welly, Tyndrum

From here I ran/fast walked along the dirt track weaving through Gleann Achadh-innis Chailein and conducted four river crossings which, because of the recent rain/snow melt, were in spate. This wasn't as bad as I thought and the water level never got above just below knee height. There wasn't a single instance where I thought the water would knock me over. Finally, I made it back to Tyndum and the Green Welly at 16:46 precisely 6 hours after I started and even managed to get the 17:13 Tyndrum Lower to Glasgow Queen Street train.

This alternative route is suitable for those who want to bag Beinn Mhanach in a day but have to rely on trains for transport. It is doable but long and exhausting, especially in wet, slippy conditions.