Beinn An Dothaidh
Saturday 20th September 2025
9.5kms - 6hrs
The scheduled walk for our group for today was Beinn an Dothaidh, but the weather forecast mid-week was not at all encouraging, wet, windy and getting very cold. So I had decided to travel with Mike as arranged to Bridge of Orchy, but would give Beinn an Dothaidh an miss and make for Ben Inverveirgh, at 639m and with a good start along the West Highland Way a less challenging hill for a bad weather day. However, as they say, “the best-laid plans of mice and men” etc, and it was all change by the time we arrived at Bridge of Orchy, the weather was fine, the company, as usual companionable, and so Beinn an Dothaidh it would be.
Nothing had changed since July last year when Ian and I last made the climb, the easy climb out from Bridge of Orchy is still deceptive, as the rough track leads onwards into Coire an Dothaidh, sometimes rough loose rock and stone, sometimes soggy grass and boggy sections, the terrain is ever changing, but never seems to ease, the dips down to cross the minor burns running into the Allt Coire an Dothaidh cause no problems, except that you have to climb out again on the opposite side. But, this is a great hill, and the challenges are well worth it, once on our way I was so glad Ben Inverveigh was just a passing thought.The weather stayed very kind to us, albeit there was a low mist and moisture hanging in the air over the 744m bealach as we climbed higher into Coire an Dothaidh and the final steep climb up past the large “shelter stone” a haven for me on a rather unpleasant “episode” a few years back, but today, a passing point on that last haul up to the 744m bealach and a welcome break for some refreshments and to take in the views from this fine vantage point.
We were a large group, and as the majority set off for the climb away from the bealach, I was happy to wait a little longer before following, as were Mike and Peter, and so we three waited a few moments longer before following the group up to the marker cairn, where, as we arrived they were just about to disappear into the mist on the hill ahead of us enroute to the 1000m west top. As we followed on, we had occasional glimpses of the group ahead bobbing in and out of the mist, but by the time we arrived at the 1000m top they were nowhere to be seen. A lone walker, huddled behind the rocks informed us that they had been and gone a few moments ago. The mist had now turned to fairly heavy rain and the wind was picking up, so it was time to don full waterproofs before setting of across the fine plateau for the short walk to the main top and summit of Beinn an Dothaidh at 1004m. As we reached the summit, there again just bobbing into the mist were our main group now approaching the top of the minor south top, but, it was time for lunch, so here the pursuit ended, we took a “selfie” summit photo and then found ourselves a sheltered spot and hunkered down for a much appreciated break and refreshments.As we stood up from our lunch spot, whom should we see but our group now making the short descent from the south top towards the main descent path, and so we simply walked a few paces further to rejoin them on the descent path, leaving the south top, just a short distance away but unvisited on this occasion. Beinn an Dothaidh and Beinn Dorain are mountains with little option but to approach and return via Coire an Dothaidh, and so the effort required to climb the rocky path from Bridge of Orchy to the 744m bealach has to be translated into an effort in concentration as you make the long descent over some very awkward ground until you are at least well down the coire and Bridge of Orchy comes into sight, and a very welcome sight it is at the end of yet another fantastic, but energetic day in the hills.
Thanks John, a thoroughly enjoyable day in fine company.
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