Creag Mhor and Beinn Heasgarnich

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These two Munros give one of the more challenging outings for baggers in this part of the Highlands, requiring experience as it crosses some potentially difficult pathless terrain. Creag Mhor is steep and craggy on the ascent with much character; Beinn Heasgarnich is something of a let-down, moated with vast areas of peat bog.

Terrain

Tough hillwalking, often without paths. The ascent to Sron nan Eun is steep and craggy and requires care and navigational skill. The descent from Beinn Heasgarnich heads across peat-hagged and featureless terrain.

Public Transport

No public transport to the start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

New car park 1km short of road end in Glen Lochay. Map and directions.

Deer Stalking information

South-east of ridge: Glenlochay Estate. Stalking between early July and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. A sign with stalking information is displayed in the car park and at the entrance to the estate. If further information is needed please phone 01887 840412 or 07766 816033, or e-mail: manager@pitcastle.com (8am to 6pm MonSat; if unanswered please leave a message).

Users' reports

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.25km / 15.25 miles
Time: 7 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1436m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN476368

Summits Climbed

Munro: Creag Mhor
Munro: Beinn Heasgarnich

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park in Glen Lochay some distance short of Kenknock - it is no longer possible to park at the end of the public road. Head on foot to this point where there is a cross-roads of routes; turn right up the private tarmac road that leads up to the pass over to Glen Lyon. Follow this road up a series of zigzags to NN461369 where a good Hydro track leaves it to the left, soon passing a small dam and then contouring the slopes heading west up Glen Lochay towards the hills. The mountain that steals the show up the glen is Ben Challum, looking a fine peak from this unfamilar side. Continue along this track, crossing the bridges over the Allt Badour and later the Allt Batavaim.

Stage 2

A new deer fence now impedes the direct route, so continue along the track for 800m to a gate. Leave the track here, doubling back along the fence uphill to reach a gate in a deer fence. From here the craggy southeast ridge of Creag Mhor - leading out to Sron nan Eun - can be seen. Your next objective is to reach this ridge, avoiding the steep bluff at its southeastern end. One option is to scramble up an easy gully before gaining the easier ground of Sron nan Eun above, where a path is gained. There are alternative lines, with easier ground a little further north.

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 3

From Sron nan Eun, Creag Mhor is revealed; after crossing two small depressions the mostly grassy ridge with some rocky outcrops is followed all the way to the summit, becoming better defined along the way. The large summit cairn is at 1048 metres and a satisfying viewpoint with mountains in all directions.

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 4

There are impassable crags blocking the direct route to the bealach dividing Creag Mhor from Beinn Heasgarnich, so instead it is necessary to descend the easier ground to the west and then northwest along the initial section of ridge leading towards Meall Tionaill before heading back ENE to the bealach once easier slopes are reached. Cross the peat bog here before beginning the ascent up the steep grassy slopes to Sron Tairbh and the Top of Stob an Fhir Bhogha beyond.

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 5

From this top a very broad grassy ridge leads to the summit plateau and wind-shelter cairn that marks the Munro of Beinn Heasgarnich. The descent is via the vast areas of peat bog to the east; it is probably easiest to follow the ridge round for around 700 metres before beginning the descent. As you head down aim a little to the south to cross the Allt Tarsuinn before it becomes too wide. The area north of Lochan Achlarich is a vast flat bog - follow the east side of the Allt Tarsuinn before breaking away to cross and then follow the far bank of the stream from the lochan further down.

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 6

Once flat ground is reached once more make for the summit of the private Glen Lochay - Glen Lyon road - the solid tarmac will be reached with much relief! Turn right to follow the road which leads back down into Glen Lochay and to the start of the walk.

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Creag Mhor and Beinn Heasgarnich

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Deer Stalking information

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Maps / GPS

WANT TO SPONSOR THIS ROUTE?

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 3

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 4

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 5

Photo: jimandandrea

Stage 6

Route Profile

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