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Not a particularly inspiring hill,
as Munros go, Beinn Mhanach lies between the Orchy Hills
and Loch Lyon to the north of Tyndrum and south of Bridge
of Orchy. Tyndrum, situated by the junction of roads
leading to Oban and Fort William, is a key service centre
for tourism and the surrounding farming community.
It is
also the junction of railways leading to Oban and Fort
William. Bridge of Orchy, where a bridge was built over
the River Orchy in 1751 during the construction of a
military road, lies six miles further north, at the head
of Glen Orchy.
Beinn Mhanach rises to a height of 3,127 feet/953m. Its
name derives from the Gaelic for 'monks' hill'. The route
involves around 25 river crossings with varying degrees of
difficulty, 12 of which could give problems should the
river be in full spate. It is possible to avoid a couple
of the bigger ones by crossing the Allt Kinglass by the
bridge at GR 327357 onto its north bank and go up to where
the track crosses to the south bank near the plantation at
GR: 341374.
The track on the southern side, however, is
the better one.
For this route, follow the access road past the farm,
turning right at the bridge (GR: 327357), and follow the
south bank of the Allt Kinglass.
Continue alongside the
river, under the railway viaduct that carries the West
Highland Line and over the biggest of all the fords up
into Auch Gleann to the sheepfold at Ais-an t-Sidhean.
Where the path splits at GR 358396, follow the right-hand
route, east along the Allt a Chuirn, up to the watershed.
Ahead is the most southerly tip of Loch Lyon. Cross the
bridge alongside the ravine and man-made flume at Strath
Tarabhan (GR: 368397) some four and a half miles (7.3km)
into the walk.
Leave the track beside a signpost - with a map and route
pointer arrow that states 'You are here' - and head north
to begin the steep 1,640 feet (500m) ascent to the col
between Beinn a' Chuirn and Beinn Mhanach following the
intermittent, sometimes wet and muddy path up the line of
the boundary fence.
Just before the col (2,920 feet/890m)
at GR: 366412, head east across the fence to ascend the
gentler slope to the summit cairn of Beinn Mhanach (3,127
feet/953m).
Return by the inward route but, if leaving the top in
cloud, be sure to take a compass bearing back to the col
as the featureless summit can be very disorientating. |
WALK FACTS
Distance 11.2 miles/18 km.
Map OS Landranger sheet 50.
Start/parking Park by the
side of the A82 at the access road to Auch Farm, GR: NN
317354. Take care not to obstruct access to the farm or
stray onto the busy carriageway.
There is roadside parking for at
least six cars if they are sensibly parked.
Grading A long walk in
followed by a demanding climb on steep, grassy slopes then
a long walk back out! Recommended for fit hillwalkers.
Allow 6 - 8 hours. Sheep and cattle grazing so dogs must
be kept on a lead.
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