Over The Hill

The standard route from the A82 Kirkton Farm layby to Beinn Challuim (or Ben Challum depending on which map or book you are reading) is usually described as a straight out and back route over boggy ground with the hillside itself defined as undistinguished, and I am inclined to agree, having used this route on two previous occasions. And so, in search of a circular, less boggy and more distinguished route, Lawrie and I started out from the parking area at Auchtertyre and headed off up the steep, twisting estate track and onto the eastern slopes of Beinn Chaorach, intent on making our final approach to Beinn Challuim via it's north west ridge.

Picking our point deep in Gleann a'Chlachain we left the estate track as it began to deteriorate into an overgrown and rutted ATV track and dropped down to the waters of the Allt Gleann a'Chlachain, only to find that the recent heavy rains, and that which was currently soaking us, had swollen the river somewhat, and it took us a little while heading upstream before we found ourselves a safe crossing place.. However, once across the main river, we were soon ascending uphill, on steep but good ground toward the series of crags, which, on our treks to Beinn Chaorach and Cam Chreag we had viewed as quite challenging rock slabs as they glistened in the bright sunshine. Today, in the mist and rain, they looked bleak and broken.

However, to our surprise, they presented us with no real problems as we were able to make use of a series of grassy gullies, splitting the crags and taking us up, through the crags in short and, relatively, easy stages leading onto the higher levels where the gradient eases as it crosses the rock strewn slopes on the final approach to the summit cairn. It may have been the first week in July, but that didn't seem to register with the weather, as we actually had hail stones and sleet to greet our arrival at a very windy summit.

Our return route was south, along the narrowing ridge, past the 998m southern top and onwards in a curving arc south then south west and finally west to the 649m top, below which nestles a secluded little lochan, which, on a nicer day than today would provide an ideal spot for a late break. Today, however, we simply surveyed the scene before continuing our descent southwest, through and over the minor knolls which dominate this broad, undulating ridge as it drops down to the viaduct carrying the West Highland Railway over the Allt Gleann a'Chlachain and the path through Auchtertyre Wigwams back to the car park.

Did we achieve our objectives; Yes, this is a fine circular route which presents an interesting and more challenging approach to this fine summit. The north west ridge itself if well worthy of the climb. And, although the area around the river crossing was wet, it was not the boggy mess found on the Kirkton hillside.

Great walk, irrespective of the weather - Thanks for your company Lawrie.