Beinn nan Aighenan, Glen Etive

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Beinn nan Aighenan is the forgotten Munro of the Starav range, being hidden away from Glen Etive by an intervening ridge. The usual route of ascent to this rocky summit is over the ridge, however, as any alternatives involve a very long approach.

Terrain

Most of the route is on a path, but muddy in some parts, rough and rocky in others.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Rough parking by start of Coiletir track. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.75km / 9.75 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1320m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN137468

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn nan Aighenan

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Driving down Glen Etive, there is a small rough parking area on the right just before the start of the track to Coiletir. This is often full at busy times when it may be necessary to look for a suitable section of grassy verge - do not block any passing spaces. There are superb views from here of Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhor. Start down the Coiletir track, signed 'Hill path'. It soon crosses a bridge over the beautiful river Etive; keep right at a junction to reach a locked gate just short of Coiletir. Following renovations at the cottage it is now necessary to divert round, keeping the fence on your right, up across boggy ground before dropping back down to the original track beyond Coiletir.

Stage 2

The track soon becomes a path and runs close to the River Etive before swinging left by the Allt Mheuran. When a footbridge is reached cross it and continue up the far bank. When the path forks take the higher route - the lower path closer to the burn cuts across an eroded slope above a steep gorge further on whilst the older, higher route steers clear. A fairly faint path soon heads off right heading directly for Ben Starav; ignore this and continue on the broader path up the glen.

Stage 3

It is very boggy underfoot in places but the views, both ahead -with the Eas Mheirlich or Robber's Waterfall prominent over to the left - and looking back across Glen Etive, are a fine reward. The path soon comes closer to the Allt nam Meirleach and crosses a tributary coming down from Coire an Fhir-leith; beyond the Meirlich flows through a succession of box canyons and some care is needed in places (on the return it is natural to take a higher path which is further from the rim). The head of the glen climbs very steeply to the Bealach Lochain Ghaineamhaich but the path winds a clear route up to this pass.

Stage 4

You are now at the low point of the ridge between Ben Starav (right) and Glas Bheinn Mhor (to the left). For Beinn nan Aighenan it is necessary to lose around 150m of height; two small paths head diagonally left down the far side of the bealach. Take the lower of these (the upper one peters out in a boulder field) and continue down and across the slopes to the southeast. Beinn nan Aighenan looks close at hand at first before the full drop down to the bealach is revealed. The path is small but makes its way down the rocky, slabby slopes to reach the low point.

Stage 5

The path continues by heading up the ridge to Beinn nan Aighenan. Again the climb is rocky and fairly steep in places but there are no great difficulties. As height is gained good views open up towards Loch Etive to the right - with Ben Cruachan prominent - and out towards Loch Tulla to the left. The slope becomes more gradual before the summit cairn is reached. Now the long walk back begins by heading back down the ridge to the bealach.

Stage 6

To return to Glen Etive, it is necessary to climb 150m back over the Bealachan Lochain Ghaineamhaich. From here you could extend the walk along the ridge to either of the other Munros; otherwise return the way you came back down the Allt nam Mheirleach.

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