Over The Hill

Beinn Dubhchraig has slid under the radar recently, mainly because of the collapse of the footbridge across the Allt Gleann Auchreoch, the means whereby you gained access to the extensively wooded area on the lower eastern slopes. However, the OS 25,000 mapping does show a second footbridge (Grid NN 33040 27700) a kilometre or so further up Gleann Auchreoch, which would give access to the woodlands, but require a crossing of the Allt Coire Dubhchraig, the means by which was also shown on the OS 25,000 mapping with yet another footbridge (Grid NN 32385 27645) thereby regaining the intended ascent route to Beinn Dubhchraig.

And so we set off in search of these two bridges, the first of which we found without too much trouble, although as we descended towards it we started to doubt the validity of calling it a "bridge"; it's condition being rather dilapidated, nevertheless it did provide a means to cross the river with dry boots. Now for the second bridge.

Although the way ahead was through fairly open woodland, the ground beneath the trees was of deep grass and bracken, wet and undulating, making for unpleasant going, however, it was not for long and we were soon standing by the impressive gully through which the Allt Coire Dubhchraig passes - but with no bridge to be seen; and, with no chance of crossing the gully at this point due to its steep, tree and rock lined slopes. So, it was on uphill through the trees, with the gully becoming less steep as we gained height until, just a short distance further along we finally crossed the waters of the Allt Coire Dubhchraig. Continuing to follow the course of the Allt Coire Dubhchraig, we made a steady climb up towards the ridge on the skyline and the lochans that are the source of the river, on the way passing a number of waterfalls that are a feature of this very picturesque river as it tumbles down the grassy hillside.

With the lochans lying at the 900m height, it was then just a very short, and relatively easy walk to the summit cairn, at 978m a great viewpoint to gaze down on Loch Oss and beyond to the summits of Ben Oss and Ben Lui as we settled down to some lunch, on what was turning out to be quite a fine day weather-wise, a day not to be rushed!

Lunch over, we decided to return via the lochans and onwards down the gently sloping north ridge to Cononish, and the opportunity to view the grey scar now being cast on the slopes of Beinn Chuirn as ScotGold mine deep inside the hillside for gold, the first ounces of which it was announced only last week they had successfully produced. The crossing of the River Cononish is a simple matter, the bridge at this point being of solid construction and not likely to be washed away when the river is in spate.

Across the river and after a relaxing break on the grassy banks, we set off for a leisurely walk back along the Cononish track to Dalrigh and the end of what was a very enjoyable day on the hills - Thanks Everyone.