Beinn a'Ghlo

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More a range of hills than a single peak, Beinn a'Ghlo has three Munro summits giving a strenuous day. The summits may be rounded, but the steep flanks and sculpted form of this great massif makes for a memorable outing.

Terrain

Mostly good paths, with steep descents between the peaks and some rough ground.

Public Transport

Public transport to Blair Atholl, 4 km from the walk start.

Start

Parking at end of public section of Monzie road, near Loch Moraig. Map and directions.

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

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 22km / 13.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1239m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN905671

Summits Climbed

Munro: Carn Liath
Munro: Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain
Munro: Carn nan Gabhar

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the public road signed for Monzie; the area to park is in a rough layby on the left just beyond a cattle grid (near Loch Moraig, though this is out of sight). Begin by continuing on foot along the tarmac for a short distance to a junction beside the forest plantation. Turn right here through the gate.

Stage 2

Head along the track, climbing gradually, until a grassy path forks off left and goes over a stile near a wooden hut, with the great dome of Carn Liath looming ahead. The path heads directly towards Carn Liath; over boggy ground at first, soon becoming obvious and badly eroded as it starts to climb just to the right of an old stone wall. The erosion scar higher on the hill be seen for miles around.

Stage 3

After the initial section past the remains of grouse butts on the wall the path steepens considerably up the heather slopes. The directness does at least ensure the first Munro of the day is reached; the summit cairn is just beyond the trig point at 975 metres. There are excellent views all around, and the best part of the days walk now stretches ahead.

Stage 4

The path follows a delightful ridge, curving left, then right and then left again to reach the bealach. From the bealach there is a steeper climb up towards the next Munro. The main path climbs across the slope to the left; alternatively a smaller path stays directly on the ridge rather than cutting off the corner.

Stage 5

The climb then continues less steeply, round the edge of a scooped corrie to reach the summit cairn of Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain, the central one of Beinn a'Ghlo's three peaks. Finding the route to the next bealach requires care in poor visibility; firstly continue round the corrie edge to reach the lower summit at 1016m. From here continue by heading left along the plateau edge but keep an eye out for a steep route down on the right.

Stage 6

The path heads down to the Bealach an Fhiodha losing another 150 metres of height. Across the other side the path splits and later rejoins as it makes a rising traverse up onto the ridge of Carn nan Gabhar, probably a tiring ascent by this point in the day. Once on the ridge the ascent is gentle but the ground is very stony. Pass a large cairn and then the trig point before finally reaching the well-built summit cairn beyond.

Stage 7

Carn nan Gabhar is the highest summit of Beinn a'Ghlo at 1129 metres, with fine views into the wilds around the head of Glen Tilt. The return route to Loch Moraig is long and tiring. Either return to the Bealach an Fhiodha and head down the east side of the stream to the south, or head over Airgiod Bheinn and then descend the ridge which is very stony to pick up a path down the very steep, stony ground to eventually descend boggy ground to an obvious crossing point on the Bealach an Fhiodha to then follow the path on the far side.

Stage 8

Whichever descent route you choose cross the stream before it joins the Allt na Beinn Bige to pick up the clear path you should have been able to see earlier, contouring round the base of Beinn Bheag. This path has been much improved by recent work, and eventually reaches a track. Turn right along this which eventually rejoins the outward route near the hut below Carn Liath. Retrace your steps to return to the start.

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