Overview
Rocky outcrops of Ben Lui
Beinn Laoigh (translation: Hill of the calf) is one of the finest mountains within the Southern Highlands of Scotland and definitely the best of the peaks in the Glen Lochy Hills range. Although not the best side of approach for this peak, it is a quick route and offers the chance to combine the Munro peak of Beinn a’Chleibh (translation: Hill of the Chest) to the days hike.
Beinn Laoigh's height and splendid shape make it stand out above all of the other neighbouring peaks and rivals Ben Cruachan in the affection of many hill lovers. It has five well-defined ridges radiating out from the twin topped summit of which there are four corries between.
Approx time taken: 5 to 7 hours (both peaks).
Getting There
Car
From Glasgow take the A82 road ,via Loch Lomond, until reaching Crianlarich.
From Perth or Edinburgh take the A84 road on the outskirts of Stirling, via Callander, to Lochearnhead. Continue straight on as the road now becomes the A85 until reaching Crianlarich.
From Crianlarich, follow the A82 towards Tyndrum. Turn left just after Tyndrum onto the A85 Oban road and follow for roughly 5 miles until reaching a small parking area on the left(GR239278).
Train
Glasgow Queen Street station direct to Tyndrum.
Scotrail info
Bus
A bus service runs daily from Buchanan Street bus station in Glasgow to Fort William, via Tyndrum.
Scottish City Link infoRoute Description
Starting from the small car park, make your way south-west through the grass towards the River Lochy, where an obvious break in the forest on the other side can be clearly seen. You will have to ford the river, which when in spate can be quite tricky as the stepping stones across are nowhere to be seen. Having crossed the river check that the coast is clear before darting across the railway line. Having now completed the two major hazards, the hike now begins proper!
Follow the obvious path through the forest, south east firstly, then east, staying on the northern side of the Eas Daimh river. The path leads all the way to the end of the forest, where a deer fence/style on the southern side of the river can be seen that leads onto the mountainside. The path through the forest is unbelievably boggy, this is probably one of the boggiest places that I have been to, and it hadn’t been raining that much in the prior week to me being here.
Follow the faint path next to the deer fence south, heading upwards, until the path levels out and an obvious path shows the way to the bealach between Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chleibh. Again the path is fairly moist underfoot, but is straightforward enough.
Once at the bealach, head in a south-west direction along the path if climbing Beinn a’Chleibh first. The path is well defined and leads directly to the summit cairn.
For Ben Lui, head along the path east-north-east. The path is good for most parts, but does, on occasion fade as it weaves its way through the rock scattered all over the surface. Careful navigation is essential in cloudy conditions. After a steep climb, you will reach the top of the Central Gully in between the twin summits. The summit to the right(south-east) is the true summit.
Descend via the ascent route or by the following route
Via Glen Cononish (Gully to ridge of Stob Garbh)
Books and Maps
Image provided courtesy of Ordnance Survey UK and Northern Ireland
Books
The Southern Highlands by D.J.Bennet.
Scottish Hill and Mountain Names by Peter Drummond
The Munros by Cameron McNeish
The Munro Almanac by Cameron McNeish
The Munros (SMC Hillwalker’s guide) by Donald Bennet.
Scottish Mountains on Ski by Malcolm Slesser
Southern Highlands (pocket mountains) by Nick Williams.
Maps
Harvey Superwalker Map: Crianlarich
OS Explorer Map sheet : 364
OS Landranger Map sheet: 50
Mountain and Weather Conditions
The weather conditions in the Glen Lochy Hills can change quickly and you should ensure you are fully prepared for all weather eventualities.
Mountain forecast
Avalanche forecast
Tyndrum weather forecast
Essential Gear
Summer conditions: Backpack, walking boots/trainers, hat, gloves, water, food, waterproofs(your in Scotland you can bet it is going to rain at some point), map, compass, first aid kit, penknife, spare socks, walking poles can be good to ease the jarring on the old knees and your camera.
Winter conditions: All of the above and ice axe, crampons, helmet and rope.
External Links
Visit Scotland
Discover Scotland
Undiscovered Scotland
Walk the Highlands
The Scottish Mountaineering Club
Munro Magic
Crianlarich & Tyndrum history
Tyndrum Tourist Info Contact
West Highland Way
Ben Lui Conservation
Beinn Laoigh plane wreckage
Hill Phones
Deer Stalking Scotland
Buachaille.com