Beinn an t-Sìdhean, Strathyre

Summary

Beinn an t-Sìdhean is a steep-sided hill that shelters Strathyre from the westerly winds. Its flanks are extensively clothed with forestry plantations but from the moorland above there are stunning views over Loch Lubnaig. The walk is described to the true summit, but there are a couple of fine stops along the way that make grand objectives for a slightly shorter walk in their own right.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Steep paths up through the forest, very muddy in places, a short moorland section requiring navigation.

Getting there

Start

Strathyre Forestry car park, A84 Strathyre.

Public Transport

C60/S60 Callander - Killin bus stops at Strathyre.

Start Grid Ref

NN560168

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.25km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 493m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Beinn an t-Sidhein

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Walk Description

User reports (11)

Stage 1

Park in the forestry car park at the southern end of Strathyre, beyond the Broch cafe. Head past the barrier to the far end of the car park. The walk begins by climbing up to the disused railway line behind the furthest parking area. The railway is now used as a cycle route, part of the national network. Turn left to cross the suspension bridge over the River Balvag and on the far side turn right to follow a path up to a minor road. At the road turn right, soon passing the modern school. Beyond this there is a walkway on the left side to get you off the tarmac. Just before reaching a road junction a large sign indicates where a path climbs into the woods up to the left. This climbs steeply through plantations of spruce and larch.

Stage 2

The climb relents briefly when the path reaches a forestry track. Turn right here and after a short distance turn left onto a clear path climbing steeply uphill once more.

Stage 3

The path eventually swings left and then continues for a long time climbing diagonally up the slope. Eventually a felled area is reached, and later a sign indicates the end of any formal path. Just to the left here is a viewpoint where massive boulders serve as a seat and table overlooking Strathyre and Loch Lubnaig. This is a good objective in its own right if finding the ascent too demanding - it gets tougher from here.

Stage 4

Otherwise, continue on the path. Eventually it turns more directly uphill - ignore a fainter path off left across a small burn. The path climbs and eventually becomes unsurfaced, mostly grassy but with a few boggy sections as it continues uphill through scattered trees. Eventually the path curves right and climbs steeply once more, aiming to the left of the prominent mound of An Sìdhean. The views back over Loch Lubnaig are superb.

Stage 5

The path climbs up to An Sìdhean from behind to reach a tiny cairn at 546m. Ben Vorlich and Stùc a'Chròin are prominent across the glen, whilst to the north is a glimpse of Loch Earn with Ben Lawers rising behind. But it is the view southwards over Loch Lubnaig which wins the most attention. This is the most satisfying summit on the hill. Hillbaggers, however, will have noted that the true highest point of Beinn an t-Sìdhean is actually half a kilometre away to the north across the flat moor.

Stage 6

To reach the summit of Beinn an t-Sìdhean head back down to the path then head NNW on a fainter path over the moor to a (currently broken) stile over the fence. Continue across heathery ground - and a boggy dip - to reach the summit, marked by an insignificant cairn. It's worth going a few paces further for a good view to Lochearnhead, before returning the same way.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps all the way back down into the forest plantations, and past the boulder seats. Once back down to the level forestry track you can vary the return by heading left along this wide track.

Stage 8

At a junction with another track turn right to head downhill. When the minor road is reached at the vehicle barrier, turn right along the road. Bear left at the next road junction and cross the old stone bridge over the river. Just before reaching the main road turn right through an iron gate to access the cycle track and follow it back to the car park at the start of the walk.

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