Beinn Mhic Chasgaig, Glen Etive

Summary

Though dwarfed by the higher peaks around it, Beinn Mhic Chasgaig concedes nothing to its grander neighbours. This very steep hill is well defended by craggy slopes. The ascent here approaches along a dramatic gorge. The route involves a crossing of the Allt Coire Ghiubhasan which may be impossible in spate.

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Stalkers' path through gorge initially. Burn crossing is impassable in spate (or even with moderate rains). The hill itself involves extremely steep going on often slippery slopes.

Deer Stalking information

Deer management may be taking place throughout the year but walkers are welcome and there are no preferred routes or access restrictions.

Getting there

Start

Small layby near Alltchaorunn bridge, Glen Etive.

Public Transport

There is no public transport down Glen Etive.

Start Grid Ref

NN197512

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 5.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 752m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Mhic Chasgaig

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 384 - Glen Coe

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (10)

Stage 1

There is a small layby a short distance west along the Glen Etive road from Alltchaorunn bridge - do not park blocking any passing spaces. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge. On the far side turn to the right; there may be cattle grazing. Continue to a junction and then turn left towards a hydro building. Go through a gate and follow the signs to the left of the hydro building, leading to a footpath that passes through another gate and around the back of the building.

Stage 2

Continue to reach a path junction above the river and then turn left to begin the walk upstream. There are some beautiful pools, small waterfalls and waterslides. Eventually the confluence is reached, with hydro intakes on both branches of the burn.

Stage 3

Our route lies across the left hand burn, the Allt Coire Ghiubhasan. The footbridge marked on maps and shown in the photo has been removed by the estate as it was very dangerous, so instead you need to ford the burn below the intake. This requires care and becomes impassable heavy or even moderate rains. Once on the far bank head up on a faint path and through the second a gap in a deer fence. This joins the path marked on the OS map heading up the south side of the Ghiuibhasan gorge.

Stage 4

The path now continues above the dramatic tree-lined gorge, an impressive and atmospheric place. The views back down the gorge are particularly fine, culminating in the rocky peak of An Grianan (climbed as part of our Stob Dubh route). Eventually the path passes through a gate and the gorge flanks relent a little, with the path coming nearer to the burn.

Stage 5

On the opposite side of the burn a big stone-filled gully rents the slopes of Beinn Mhic Chasgaig, leading up into Coire Aiteil. The fastest route up Beinn Mhic Chasgaig is up the steep grassy slopes to the right (east) of the canyon. Our route reserves this for the descent, but to avoid the even steeper slopes above the bealach later in the walk you could head both up and down by this route. Otherwise, continue up the glen until above some dramatic waterfalls, then find a suitable place to cross the burn and head up beside the Allt Coire Odhair.

Stage 6

As height is gained the slopes above the Allt Coire Odhar become steep and rocky. Aim diagonally up the very steep slopes - a mix of soggy grass dotted with stones - towards the bealach between Beinn Mhic Chasgaig and Creise. The going is uncomfortably steep and the nature of the slope means that it can feel exposed, high above the floor of the glen (this section can be avoided by using the descent route for ascent, as mentioned earlier). The bealach will be reached with some relief.

Stage 7

A still steep but more comfortable ascent now continues up to the NW, eventually reaching the summit cairn of Beinn Mhic Chasgaig. This is a fine viewpoint for the mountains all around; Buachaille Etive Mòr is well seen from an unfamiliar angle, with the Crowberry Tower particularly prominent; it is best seen by heading a short distance NE from the cairn to gain depth.

Stage 8

The descent is - as you may have guessed - steep. Head down the open slopes WSW, gradually at first, but gradually steepening. The aim is to stay on the shoulder high on the south side of Coire Aiteil. It is possible to find a way through any crags and outcrops, eventually picking up traces of a path on the final steep descent high above the ravine-like gully of lower Coire Aiteil mentioned earlier. Cross the Allt Coire Ghiubhasan to regain the outward path, and turn right down this to retrace your steps back down to the hydro intake, cross and return to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?