Location: Argyil
Map: OS Landranger 41
Distance: 9 mile / 15km
Time: 6-7 hours
Terrain: trails and paths; some scrambling The
most popular route to the two Munros of Beinn A’Bheithir begins in
Glennachulish, just west of the curiously named Dragon’s Tooth golf
course in South Ballachulish. At the end of the public road a forestry
car park marks the beginning of the forest trails, one of which loops
its way high into Gleann A'Chaola is the big corrie formed by the
embracing ridges of the two Munros. At the top of the trail a cairn
marks the beginning of a footpath that climbs through the remaining
conifers to the open hillside then continues, if rather sketchily, to
the high bealach between the two munro tops. Sgorr Dhearg ( 3360ft;
1024m) and Sgorr Dhonuill (3284ft, 1001m).
Both summits offer remarkable views - the sweeping ridge of Sgorr
Dhearg curves round to Beinn Bhan and beyond, the long fiord-like Loch
Leven biting into the landscape. Further south the pass of Glen Coe
lies between the long ridge of the Aonach Eagach and the steep-sided
Bidean nam Bian massif. You don't realise how narrow Glen Coe is until
you see it from here. In the south, across the great jumble of the
Blackmount and Glen Etive hills, Cruachan stands out clearly.
While Sgorr Dhearg is a great viewpoint. Sgorr Dhonuill is even better,
but you have to work a little harder for its rewards. A much narrower
and rockier ridge leads to the summit cairn from where Loch Linnhe
stretches out towards the Sound Of Mull and away in the far distance
the Paps of Jura rise above the sparkling sea. Closer at hand Ben More
of Mull stand defiant and across the loch, rising from a bright green
sward, Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour rises on steep rocky flanks. The classic
combination of sea and mountain reminds one that there are few places
as glorious as the coast of the western Highlands of Scotland. Route:
From the car park foll|ow a Forestry Commission road S and at the
first junction turn left and cross a footbridge.
Turn right beyond the bridge and follow the path as it goes up hill.
At the highpoint of the track it crosses another footbridge and just
beyond, a cairn at the right-hand side of the track marks the
beginning of a faint footpath that climbs through trees to the open
hillside.
Follow a deer fence to steeper ground that leads to the bealach between
the two munros.
Both peaks are easily reached from here with the route to Sgorr
Dhonuill offering a little scrambling near the summit.
Return by the outward route.
