Ben Vuirich

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Ben Vuirich is a rather shy Corbett, hidden away in quiet country behind the much better known Ben Vrackie. This circular route includes some sections of rougher going but also offers solitude, overshadowed by the great bulk of nearby Beinn a'Ghlo.

Terrain

Good track for approach, but pathless and boggy heather slopes to cross on the ascent / descent. Return includes the fording of a large burn, though this can be avoided.

Public Transport

None to start; nearest public transport is rail and bus at Blair Atholl, 4km from start.

Start

Parking at end of public section of Monzie road, near Loch Moraig. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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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 site). Begin by continuing on foot along the tarmac for a short distance to a junction beside the forest plantation. Take the right branch here, through a gate. Head along the track; the great dome of Càrn Liath, looms impressively to the north. This is the most southerly of the three Munros of Beinn a'Ghlo, a massif that is a dominant feature of the views throughout this walk. Continue along the track, fording a burn at one point, and keeping on the main, right hand route at a fork.

Stage 2

Continue along the track as it gently descends into Glen Girnaig, a hidden land of green pastures tucked away behind Ben Vrackie, which appears as a moorland massif from this northern side. Cross the bridge over the Allt Girnaig and continue along the track for another 300m or so before turning left on a very grassy track that heads up through the field (shortly before the main track reaches a gate).

Stage 3

The track through the field is faint, but reaches a gate at the top; once through the gate the grassy track becomes clear as it cuts through the heather moorland moorland. It leads on and up across the southern flank of Meall Breac - a hill which is sometimes mistaken for Beinn Vuirich during the approach. Eventually the track peters out east of Meall Breac; from here the walk cuts across the pathless and boggy heather slopes of Coire Buidhe Mòr , aiming for firmer, better going once more on a climb up Creag nan Gobhar.

Stage 4

Creag nan Gobhar reveals a wide view over the declining hill ranges of Perthshire stretching away to the south, with the Lomond Hills beyond. From here a narrow path leads north along the heathery ridge before becoming lost in a soggy bealach, with a steady pull up to the summit of Ben Vuirich beyond, marked by a trig point inside a windshelter cairn.

Stage 5

The views are extensive, particularly in the southern half, though Beinn a'Ghlo continues to dominate to the north. There is a rare view of the comically-named Loch Loch, as well as a surprising glimpse up the Lairig Ghru through the heart of the Cairngorms. Begin the descent by heading west down the open heather slopes, aiming to the north of Loch Valigan and its bogs. Cross the head of the glen threaded by the Allt Nead an Eoin, and then continue across the heather slopes north of Stac nam Bodach.

Stage 6

Descend to join the grassy track which forms part of an old route between Blair Atholl and Strathardle. The track becomes a good path as it continues along the northern flanks of Sròn na h-Innearach, keeping well above the Allt Coire Lagain. At around NN956690 a narrow trod branches off WSW down the heather to reach the Allt Girnaig. This fairly wide and substantial burn usually gives a straightforward wade, though if in spate it would be better to stay on the main path to rejoin the outward route above Shinagag (adding around 2km to the distance).

Stage 7

If it can be forded, a path leads up the far bank and becomes a track. This is followed until it rejoins the outward route south of Càrn Liath. Continue along the track to head back to the start.

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