Creagan na Beinne is a very rounded hill, a Corbett above the southern side of Loch Tay. Its traverse makes for a moderate day's hillwalking - boggy in places - with a return along a stretch of the Rob Roy Way.
Hill tracks and pathless sections; some very boggy going in places.
None to start.
Ardtalanig, Loch Tay.
There is parking a verge parking area in Ardtalnaig, just south of the bridge over the burn, take care to leave enough room for turning lorries. To begin the walk head across the bridge and then turn right opposite Milton of Ardtalnaig, through a gate with white gateposts. Follow the faint grassy track through the field, swinging left uphill rather than staying on the clearer, lower track which continues to Tullichglass. The indistinct grass track climbs, passing through another gate; after a third gate it climbs diagonally right across the slope, with great views opening up behind over Loch Tay.
When a gate in a drystone wall is reached near some old shielings, do not pass through the gateway but instead follow the track that swings sharp left, still climbing. It continues to zig-zag uphill, offering panoramic views, and through another gate. At a final gateway it does not pass through but instead turns sharply right on the far side of the drystone wall. It now continues ascending with the wall on your right. The little-used route soon becomes choked with heather and bracken although it can still be followed, and is boggy in places.
After the gate the heather gives way to open grass but the going is still boggy - it is often easier to walk alongside rather than on the line of the old track itself. Continue for over 1.5km until the track climbs up towards the bealach between Beinn Bhreac and point 658m - leave it here and traverse across the west side of point 658m towards the next bealach. The path shown on OS maps here does not exist. When a fence is reached there is no need to cross - instead follow it as it leads slightly right of the bealach to pass an area of peat bog before climbing up more directly towards Creagan na Beinne. When a small gate is reached it doesn't matter which side of the fence you take, simply continue up onto the plateau, with views back slowly becoming more extensive.
The going now becomes much better underfoot with short-cropped heather and grasses. A faint path passes to the west of one cairn before continuing onto another that marks the summit. From here continue south to begin the descent down Dunan Hill. The going soon becomes boggy once more - an extensive area of peat hags are best skirted to the right (west). The great bulk of Ben Chonzie dominates the view ahead.
Further down a faint grassy ATV track aids the descent. Follow this down towards the boarded-up cottage at Dunans - the final section across the valley floor is extremely wet. After a gate a good track is finally reached at the cottage. This is part of the Amulree alternative on the Rob Roy Way. Turn right along this track to begin the walk back.
After passing through a gate those looking for a longer walk could head up the Shee of Ardtalnaig which encloses the west side of the glen. However, our route simply continues down the track, crossing several small burns. Eventually a bridge is crossed and then a cottage and farm is reached at Claggan. Then follow a narrow tarmac road back down to Ardtalnaig and the start of the walk.
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