Beinn a'Chrùlaiste from Altnafeidh

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Beinn a'Chrùlaiste is well seen when driving north on the A82 towards Glencoe, but its rounded, bulky outline goes unnoticed next to the magnificence of Buachaille Etive Mòr on the other side of the road. It does, however, make perhaps the greatest viewpoint for its celebrated neighbour; the panorama from the summit is outstanding in all directions.

Terrain

Fairly short hillwalk over mostly heathery ground. Any paths are intermittent. Boggy in places - especially descent route given to Kingshouse which can be avoided by instead retracing steps.

Public Transport

There is a bus service along the A82 between Glasgow and Fort William.

Start

Layby at Altnafeadh. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at Altnafeidh; there is a layby on the north side of the road and rougher parking on the south side. Begin the walk by picking up the West Highland Way on the north side of the road, turning right along it towards the Kings House.

Stage 2

Follow it for around 400m until it passes through a gate - with open ground now on the left. Leave the path here, turning sharp left and climbing uphill beside a fence line. Follow the fence up until the broad west ridge of Beinn a' Chrùlaiste is gained. Turn up the ridge - there are traces of a path and sensational views back down Glencoe.

Stage 3

There is one short steeper section (which can be avoided to the left) before the ridge leads up to a rounded top at 639m - Stob Beinn a'Chrùlaiste. Continue across a boggy depression before continuing up the now much broader slopes.

Stage 4

The slopes themselves are featureless but the views sensational, particularly towards Buachaille Etive Mòr .

Stage 5

The summit - with a trig point and a small cairn just beyond - enjoys a superb panorama in all directions, especially looking across the great, flat expanse of Rannoch Moor.

Stage 6

The quickest return is to retrace your steps. There is an alternative descent to the Kings House which encounters some very boggy ground but makes a circular route. To do this, continue down the broad ridge; this steepens lower down so it is necessary to aim a little north east at this point towards the Allt a'Bhalaich.

Stage 7

A very boggy path now leads down to eventually reach a track near the Kings House. Turn right along this, keeping ahead on the minor road before forking right onto the West Highland Way. This is then followed along the line of the old military road across the base of the hill, returning eventually to Altnafeidh.

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