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Steven Fallon Scottish Mountain Routes
Steven Fallon Scottish Mountain Routes
 
  glen orchy
corbetts Beinn Bhreae-liath (802m)
Beinn Ulaidh (840m)
Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh (796m)

ascent 950m (2,950ft)
distance 11km (7m)
time running : 2hr, walking : 4:20hr*
 *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent

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location view map of location

start/finish by Invergaunan in Glen Orchy
(grid ref : NN278368)

maps/guides  This area is covered by 1 OS Landranger 1:50000 and 1 OS Explorer 1:25000 maps :
OS Landranger 50 - click to buy from Amazon OS Explorer 377 - click to buy from Amazon Pocket Mountains - Southern Highlands - click to buy from Amazon

GPX data download a GPX file of the main route

terrain
easy Some boulderfield, but mainly grass difficult
navigation
easy Virtually pathless and wide plateaux testing
effort
stroll A quick afternoon run ! long day
scenery
ok Excellent views stunning

images

view photos of the route and hills



main route summary
Mam na orchy is a fine little accessible Corbett that's easy to ascent with vast views from the summit.


main route outline

Getting there
Glen Orchy runs from Bridge of Orchy on the A82 to Dalmally on the A85. A narrow road follows the River Orchy through the glen. Parking for Beinn Bhreac-liath and Beinn Ulaidh is by a bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain and next to a gate accessing the thick adjacent forest. Parking for the route up Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh is by the bridge at the Eas Urchaidh, or alternatively 100 metres to the north in a layby.

Beinn Bhreac-liath
From by the bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain, cross north and walk until a gate is met. Head through the gate and up a track towards the house at Invergaunan. As the house is approached, look for a faint path heading to the base of the hill directly ahead. The path gradually fades into the grass. On pathless terrain the going underfoot is pleasant on the flatter ground. Continue up the north-west shoulder of Beinn Bhreac-laith and as the 700m contour is reached, the ground levels out and it's an enjoyable walk continuing to the summit while enjoying the views, particularly back towards Beinn Dorain. A few false summits are passed to reach a small cairn marking the hill's summit. Fine views in all directions.

Beinn Ulaidh
From Beinn Bhreac-liath's summit, turn south-west and drop on grass and rush covered gentle slope to the bealach below with its small lochan. Continue south-west and begin to climb. Easy at first, the route then appears to initially curve around some rocks, but a faint path can be found to clamber over them. Head northwards on the plateau and a large cairn with the remains of an abandoned mast are met on the summit.

Return
Head northwards for a bit, then start to lose height. Some large rocks protruding out of the otherwise grass covered slopes will be encountered. These rocky outcrops form the quartzite dyke that can been seen from the north forming a long unusual line up Beinn Ulaidh's northern shoulder. Contained in the rock is a tiny amount of gold (click here for more info) ! Follow this line of rock downhill to meet the Allt Ghamhnain, then head north-west through grass and trees back to the road.


Click to view the route on zoomable OS 1:50000 maps and aerial photos
Relevant area weblinks
Weather Local, Region and National
Nearest webcam Kingshouse Hotel webcam
Accommodation and food Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Inveroran Hotel
Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum
Local information Train timetable to Bridge of Orchy
Gear & Supplies The Green Welly Shop

Other nearby routes
North-east Above Bridge of Orchy
North Above the Black Mount
West The Cruachan group
South Ben Lui group



Beinn Ulaidh and Beinn Bhreac-liath from Glen Lochy
Ascent : 800m, distance : 9km
From the buildings at Arinabea, 3km west of Tyndrum on the A85, a fire break follows a burn northwards and uphill. The going underfoot is fine and grassy and the bealach between Beinn Ulaidh and Beinn Mhic Monaidh is quickly reached. Bag the corbetts as described on the left and return by the same route.


Click to view the route on zoomable OS 1:50000 maps and aerial photos


Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh
Ascent : 775m, distance : 12km
On the B8074, 6km south-west of the bridge over the Allt Ghamhnain, the River Orchy flows rapidly through a narrow gap and over slabs called Eas Urchaidh. The route to Beinn Mhic Monaidh starts from this point and heads over the river via a girder bridge. Ignore the bothy beyond the bridge and head northwards up a decent track. Climbing gradually, the track begins to turn west and comes to a clearing then a junction with a sign pointing northwards to a mountain-bike trail and the direction for mountain ascent. Heading in the marked direction, a bridge is crossed, then a sharp left-turn takes you to the base of a steep track - ignore this track and keep on a fainter path on level ground. Another sign points the route into theforest, which crosses a minor burn, then heads uphill following a tall deer-fence. Further on, the track becomes a well defined path and reaches a stile over the fence that marks the forest boundary. Once crossed, a faint path is followed through grass and rush aiming northwards, directly for Beinn Mhic Monaidh's summit. A small cairn sits on the summit and fine views can be enjoyed on clear days.

Return by the same route.

Click to view the route on zoomable OS 1:50000 maps and aerial photos



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