Beinn Bhan, Glen Loy

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This straightforward Corbett makes a good short day out. The ascent is something of a treadmill but is rewarded by a plateau traverse on perfect springy turf with superb views to Ben Nevis, Loch Arkaig, Loch Lochy and all the surrounding mountains.

Terrain

Straightforward climb on easy going ground with a path for the first section and then pathless. Navigation skills needed for the plateau in bad weather, descent mostly pathless heather.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Inverskilavulin Bridge in Glen Loy. Map and 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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 771m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN125831

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Bhan

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is limited parking along the forest track on the left just before Inverskilavulin Bridge, but be careful not to obstruct the track. From here cross the bridge on the road and turn right following the ornate sign for Inverskilavulin Lodges. Just before the locked gate turn left and follow a grassy ATV track uphill to the left of the fence. This soon becomes a little boggy; do not cross the small bridge on the right, keeping just left of the trees surrounding the Allt Coire Mhuilinn. A grassy path heads uphill through the bracken keeping an even distance from the stream and heading up increasingly steep ground.

Stage 2

When you can see the sides of the stream becoming less steep ahead and once you have left the trees behind, bear slightly left to follow a broad nose of steep ground. This steady climb is rewarded with good views back to the south east of the north side of Ben Nevis.

Stage 3

Eventually the rim of the corrie comes into view on the right hand side and after a slightly flatter section the final pull to the plateau. An almost flat walk brings you to a cairn with excellent views to the wild area north of Loch Arkaig.

Stage 4

Keep following the rim of Coire Mhuilinn, there is a line of robust old fence posts that provide good navigational aids in poor weather, although they are spaced widely apart. Roughly follow this to the low point on the rim, where there is a good view down to Loch Arkaig and Inver Mallie bothy below.

Stage 5

Climb up the other side, still following the fence posts, and head east south east to reach the summit (771m) which is marked with a cairn and a trig point.

Stage 6

To start the descent cross the level ground from the summit in a west south west direction and keep following the less steep ground heading directly for the view of Ben Nevis ahead. The ground is easy going with stones in places and an intermittent path. After about 0.5km bear to the right heading further west to descend heathery ground to the right of the Allt Coire Mhuilin.

Stage 7

When the fence below becomes visible bear right towards where it nears the stream. A path now leads over a small ridge and then around the corner of the fence to descend between it and the water. There are a number of falls and pools on this section, with the houses at Inverskilavulin visible ahead. Follow the grassy path and just before the fence surrounding the houses turn right to reach and cross a small wooden bridge. On the far side turn left to follow the outward path back to the driveway where you turn right to reach the road at Inverskilavulin Bridge.

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