the Bridge of Orchy Hills

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Five munros adjacent to Bridge of Orchy were combined to give a great circuit. The transition to the wilder rockier mountains of the North is felt here in combination  with a wilderness of spirit given by the bleak of views across Rannoch Moor.  

Beinn Dorain

1076m/3530ft


Beinn Mhanach

935m/3130ft

Beinn a'Chreachain

1081m/3547ft

Beinn Achaladair

1038m/3405ft

Beinn an Dothaidh

1004m/3294ft

date climbed

24/09/08

time taken

9 hours

distance

30km

ascent

2600m

OS Map

Landranger 50

Weather

Mixed visibility with thick mist at times. Again not great for photography

Starting point : Bridge of Orchy  GR 300 394

From the car park situated next to the Hotel, the track was taken to the station. The railway line underpass then lead onto the hillside. The bealach between the first and last Munro was the initial aim and this was reached with no real difficulties. Heading south on a fairly easy angled ridge eventually lead to the first summit of the day, Beinn Dorain. The mist was pretty dense at this point so the compass was used to guide the downward trek across some rocky and in some places steep ground towards the Allt Coire a'Ghabhalach. Eventually the track from Auch Gleann was met and followed to the northern side of Beinn a'Chuirn to then across heather to the bealach below Beinn Mhanach. The rolling summit of Beinn Mhanach was easy to find now the mist had lifted. After retracing steps from the summit, the bealach below the summit of Beinn a Chrealchain was the next target. When reached, after a section of pathless and rough ground,  a rocky ridge lead to the corrie rim and then finally the summit. Mist again made the navigation interesting and spoilt the views across Rannoch Moor. The descent to the col above Loch a Chreachain was followed by the ascent of Beinn Achaladair and a welcome refreshment stop. Four down and one to go. The mist now cleared in parts to give glimpses of the vast Rannoch wilderness speckled with patches of sun. The bealch at the head of Coire Achaladair was crossed and the final climb to the summit of Beinn an Dothaidh completed. The thought of food from the chip shop in Tyndrum speeded the descent and was very welcome after a long but very satisfying day in the hills.