THE mountains around Tyndrum and Crianlarich are a Munro bagger's paradise. One of the best to reach at this time of year is Beinn Dubhchraig. It is normally climbed with Ben Oss but in deep snow this can turn a day's walk into a serious challenge as there is a massive drop of height between the two peaks.
So, if you are a would-be Munroist with only a few days to spare from your job in Basildon, enjoy Beinn Dubhchraig on its own and leave Ben Oss for another day.
Don't get me wrong, Munro baggers are not bad; to reach all the summits is one of the
finest achievements you can make in the Scottish mountains. But I did feel sorry for the ones I met up Beinn Dubhchraig a couple of weeks ago – it was about 2pm and it had taken four hours of hard work to reach the summit. The views were fantastic but the weather appeared to be closing in. I opted for a retreat back to the car but the other guy and his friend were determined to reach Ben Oss because they had to get back down south the next day.
They didn't have any technical difficulty – they were equipped with ice axes and crampons – but their enjoyment was centred around gaining summits, because of time restraints. For me, the pleasure is always being outdoors and enjoying nature – whether that be on top of a high mountain or by a bubbling burn surrounded by Caledonian pines. Both are available on this walk, which begins by the A82 just south of Tyndrum. A rickety wooden bridge is the first challenge of the day – across Allt Gleann Auchreoch. Slats are missing, it has no hand rail and bounces as you cross (those who are a little nervous can find a way across stones a little further upstream). Then two stiles in the same state of disrepair are best avoided in favour of gaps in deer fences to their sides.
All around, however, are Caledonian pines above the waterfalls of Allt Coire Dubhchraig. The corrie below the 3,209ft summit is a grand amphitheatre which in snow looks like perfect skiing country. Once at the top of this and along the summit ridge – the top is the second peak – the views are great: south to Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps and across Loch Oss to Ben Oss with the majestic summit of Ben Lui behind. The Crianlarich hills dominated by Ben More are also in good view as well as many summits to the north. Yes, you have to retrace your steps but in winter weather this single Munro is a fine day out.
Full mountain gear is needed and great care should be taken as there can be a risk of avalanche in the area. Make sure also that you are able to use a map and compass as weather conditions can change dramatically over the course of the walk.
Distance 9 miles.
Height climbed 2,640ft.
Time 5 to 6 hours.
Map OS Landranger 50.
Park Turn off the A82 at Dalrigh, a mile south of Tyndrum. There is a car park a few yards down a single track road, on the left.
In summary Continue down the single-track road you drove in on, go through a gate, over a bridge above the River Cononish and turn right, along a track by a railway line.
A little further on, cross another bridge over the railway line and immediately bear right. Follow a field edge, keeping the river to your right, to reach a wooden footbridge – you can also cross a little upstream, using stones. Go left on the other side, along a boggy path.
The path eventually leads, via Allt Coire Dubhchraig, to the top of a corrie with a couple of small lochans (in snow go straight up the burn then bear right towards the top to reach an apparent dip in the ridge). Turn left to go up the ridge to reach the summit of Beinn Dubhchraig. Retrace your steps to the start.
Refreshments Try the famous Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum or, a few hundred yards down the A82 on the other side, the Real Food Cafe, which has won a number of awards and sells great fish and chips with pint mugs of tea.
While you are in the area This part of Scotland really is all about the scenery. If you have an hour or so to spare, drive north on the A82 to reach Glencoe – truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The full article contains 776 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
