Beinn a' Choin is a rugged and wild tract of moorland and rocky hills lying to the north of Ben Lomond. The obvious horseshoe route to the summit around Coire Arklet has no parking area, so this route instead climbs the mountain from the RPSB car park at Garrison Farm.
Very boggy, rough and largely pathless going on the hill.
No public transport.
Garrison Farm car park, RSPB Inversnaid.
Park at the RSPB car park behind Garrison Farm. The walk begins along the main track through the gate. This descends slightly before heading north across the slopes, eventually passing a bench and further on another gate. When the track fords a burn there is a footbridge alongside.
Immediately after another gate the track reaches the old drystone dyke of a sheepfold. Don't enter this but instead follow the now rougher earth and grass track to the left. After another 500m or so this fainter track forks; bear right, following ATV tracks as they aim NE up the slopes - this is rough and boggy going which new planting has made even harder. There are great views back looking over Loch Lomond towards the Arrochar Alps.
Eventually a deer fence is reached - pass through the gate. From here head up pathless rough ground towards the Bealach a' Mheim. The upper slopes of Beinn a' Choin are craggy; the easiest route follows a grassy rake before a climb up to a false summit with a view down Loch Katrine.
The true summit is a short distance northwest across a fence (with gate) and a hollow cradling a tiny lochan. The views are good, though Loch Katrine is now hidden, with the rugged Crianlarich peaks dominating. Retrace your steps briefly then head down to the bealach.
From here the easiest route back is to retrace your steps. Alternatively you can cross the boggy bealach to reach the grassy ridge leading to Stob an Fhainne. Thus far is a good extension, but the downside is that the descent from Stob an Fhainne is steep and rough.
Head briefly beyond the cairn by the fence towards the Loch Arklet dam before turning SW more directly towards Garrison farm once a rocky prow is passed, crossing rocky, rough and boggy ground. A high deer fence has a gate slightly right of the ridge line, and further down another gate gives access to the pastures above the farm. Continue down to return to the start.
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