Binnein Shuas and Binnein Shios

Around 22km east of Spean Bridge, a long lay-by on the A86 marks the start of the route, just where Loch Laggan gives way to its reservoir.

The route begins from a long lay-by by the entrance to Luiblea.

Although there is plenty of space in the lay-by, this is a popular hillwalking area — particularly for the Beinn a’ Chlachair group of Munros — so it can fill early on. Additional parking is available about 300m west of the track entrance.

From the lay-by, follow the estate track over the River Spean to a junction 1 and turn left. A new, imposing gate fitted with cameras and keypads now guards the entrance, but there’s a side gate for walkers and cyclists. Pass through and follow the track for around 1km to a junction 2 above an area of forestry, where the track is left behind.

Cross rough, undulating ground of bog myrtle, thick grass and heather, often damp underfoot, aiming eastwards for the south-western shoulder of Binnein Shuas. The climb is straightforward but steady, with occasional crags high up that are easily avoided, generally on the right. As height is gained a faint path develops, becoming more distinct for the final 150m or so to Binnein Shuas's summit 3.

The summit area is a complex jumble of split rock and slabs, with a small cairn marking the high point. On a clear day the views are outstanding — over Loch Laggan, Creag Meagaidh and the surrounding Ardverikie Forest hills.

From the summit of Binnein Shuas, retrace the route south-west for about 500m, then turn north, descending over lumpy grassy ground and through some open birch woodland 4 to meet the deer fence encircling the forestry above Loch Laggan’s southern shore.

Keeping above the fence, turn north-east and follow faint deer tracks through thick, knee-deep grass beneath the crags of Binnein Shuas’s north-west face. The rough ground gradually eases as the route curves towards the broad base 5 of Binnein Shios. From here, grassy slopes rise gently eastwards, the ground improving underfoot with fine views opening across Loch Laggan.

A faint path develops for the final kilometre, becoming clearer near the summit area. Binnein Shios has three knolls along its crest, each separated by a few hundred metres. The northernmost top 6, marked by twin cairns, is the true summit and gives fine views north to Creag Pitridh and east over Lochan na h-Earba.

Retrace the route from Binnein Shios’s summit for around a kilometre, then begin turning north-west towards the edge of the forestry below. A solitary tree stands just before the forest boundary; beyond it, look for a small burn and a gate 7 in the deer fence. The gate is often wired shut, but it’s straightforward to slip under the fence where the burn passes beneath.

Once inside the forest, there are no paths, and the trees can be dense in places, with some darker, tighter sections to weave through. Keep following the burn downhill and it soon leads to the track 8 running along the southern shore of Loch Laggan. Turn left and follow this excellent track westwards for roughly 6km back towards Luiblea and the roadside, enjoying fine views across the water to Creag Meagaidh along the way.

The crest of Binnein Shios stands above steep rocky ramparts, with only the southern approach — described in the main route — giving easy access to the summit. Local mountain guide Richard Kermode tells me that it is possible to continue directly north-east from the summit of Binnein Shuas towards Binnein Shios, though this line involves some careful navigation, particularly in mist, to locate a weakness in the rock 9 (see photo). This can be descended with care to reach easier ground below for a continuation towards Binnein Shios.

Another option for approaching Binnein Shuas, especially useful if combining the walk with the Ardverikie Munros or camping in the area, begins from the southern end of Lochan na h-Earba. Starting near the beach and bridge, a faint path — likely a deer-trod — slants north-east across the hill’s south-eastern face. Around the 550m contour, where the line turns westwards 10, the first fine view opens onto Ardverikie Wall, the rock-climb that sweeps up this face high above Lochan na h-Earba. The trod then climbs through a mainly grassy break in the rock towards the summit crest. If approaching from this side and continuing on to Binnein Shios, an easy descent south-east from its summit leads down to the track running along the length of Lochan na h-Earba for a return to the southern end of the loch.