Very much in the shadow of its higher neighbour Beinn Ìme, Beinn Luibhean is something of a Cinderella amongst the Arrochar Alps. Its ascent provides a short, mostly pathless but steep and grassy hillwalk from part way up the Rest and Be Thankful Pass.
Path initially, then steep, pathless, mostly grassy slopes.
Buses pass along the A83 but it's unlikely they will let you get on or off at the start point.
Small parking area at NN242060.
There is a small parking area off the north side of the A83 immediately below the bridge over the Croe Water. Begin the walk by heading through the gate (often locked) at the back of the parking area, and crossing the metal bridge over the burn. From here a path leads round to the left and then curves back to the right to climb up through an old gateway and up alongside a fence on your right and a higher deer fence to the left. Continue up the path as it runs high above the burn.
Ignore the first gate in the deer fence but soon leave the main path to reach a kissing gate in the high fence and go through this and then directly up the slope to reach Beinn Luibhean's broad south ridge. There is some bracken lower down in summer. Avoid the patches of trees that have been planted in an attempt to stabilise this area of hillside which is prone to landslides onto the the Rest and Be Thankful road below. Keep climbing, it is straightforward to avoid any outcropping rock.
The views improve with every step. The Brack and Ben Donich look fine across the glen, whilst looking back the Cobbler takes on a different appearance from this unfamiliar side; next to it is Beinn Narnain, and Beinn Ìme rising above all.
The summit is a tiny plateau above a small outcrop, and has stunning aerial views down to Loch Restil and the Rest and Be Thankful road, backed by Beinn an Lochain.
Unless intent on a longer traverse, perhaps including Beinn Ìme (there is a stile over the deer fence), the most convenient return is to retrace your steps.
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