Glais Bheinn and the Table of Lorn, near Lochaline

Summary

This scenic circuit takes in the shores of Loch Aline before climbing on open moorland to the summit of Glais Bheinn, a superb viewpoint. A detour from here leads to the flat-topped Table of Lorn, before a descent via boggy moorland and a stony hydro track.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, track, and pathless and boggy moorland. Livestock, keep dogs under tight control.

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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Ardtornish Estate office, Achranich.

Public Transport

There is a bus to Ardtornish only a few days each week.

Start Grid Ref

NM704473

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 530m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Take the minor road to Ardtornish from the A884 north of Lochaline, follow signs for the garden. There is parking in the square next to the estate office where there is a shop with information/map and hot drinks. Start by turning right back down the road, passing the entrance to the kitchen garden. Bear left at the junction following signs for the Boat House. Follow the minor road along the shores of Loch Aline, passing an old boat house and then a more modern one with cottage.

Stage 2

Continue along the track, passing an old lime kiln on the left and a rough path off to a waterfall which inspired Tennyson during one of his many stays at Ardtornish. Keep an eye out for otters. Continue along the track, passing the net station and slipway. Round a small bay and there are good views across the narrows to Lochaline and the ferry to Mull. Pass a cottage with a jetty opposite. Continue through the gate on the track ahead.

Stage 3

The track continues through grazing land with views across to Mull on the right and eventually old Ardtornish Castle ahead. Go past a stone steading building and turn left beyond to head up the track. Keep left when the track forks (ignoring the gated smaller track) and follow it uphill towards a lovely isolated cottage. Aim for the gate to the right of the house, go through it and up through the trees and follow the grassy track onto the open moorland.

Stage 4

When the track bears right continue ahead, aiming to keep to the highest ground. Keep climbing until a gate in a fence is reached. Pass through this and continue ahead across boggier ground, always aiming up the broad slopes of Glais Bheinn. After the gradient eases the going is fairly straightforward although boggy in places, there are often many deer in this area. There are great views across the Sound of Mull throughout.

Stage 5

Eventually a flattish plateau is reached, and crossing this the trig point is finally seen ahead with a large cairn to its left (N). From here there are fabulous views in all directions but especially to Mull, Lismore and the mainland mountains.

Stage 6

From the summit of Glais Bheinn the way ahead to the curious-looking Table of Lorn can be seen to the east. This can be visited by an out-and-back detour and can be omitted if required, but it makes a great destination for a break. Continue across the grassy moor ESE and follow the narrow last approach up to An Dùnan or the Table of Lorn, a flat expanse sticking up on the end of the escarpment. Retrace your steps back over Glais Bheinn and back down the broad WSW ridge you ascended, aiming to descend the moor and reach the end of a track beside a hydro intake on the Allt na Buaile.

Stage 7

Turn right to follow the track which winds northwards across the moorland. Eventually it descends more steeply, and a pipeline is seen over a ravine to the left. Continue slightly uphill to a t-junction, then turn left to descend and cross a burn, climbing slightly beyond before heading more steeply downhill to a hydro-power building beside Loch Teàrnait. Keep left here to head back towards Achranich. Ignore two tracks on the right to finally reach a gate with cottages up on the right ahead. Continue downhill passing a cottage on your left, cross the bridge and turn right to return to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Ardnamurchan Hotels

Ardnamurchan B&B

Ardnamurchan cottages

Ardnamurchan hostels

Glamping and Camping

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