Photographs of a traverse of Beinn a'Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair in the Great Wall of Rannoch in the Glencoe Region

Location: Bridge of Orchy
Map: OS Landranger 50 (GR
322443)
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Ti|me: 6 hours 30 minutes
Terrain: tracks and paths

Harbouring dramatic hidden corries and connected by a ﬁne ridge, these two peaks offer the longest outing
among the Bridge of Orchy hills. The only downside is the 7km approach or descent via Coire Achaladair and Beinn
Achaladair’s south ridge. The path is rough and a bit boggy and tends to do a disappearing act at the top of the corrie.
Still, it is better than other paths hereabouts. The way you walk it depends on whether you prefer a gentle
introduction with a long and rough descent down Coire Achaladair to ﬁnish, or vice versa.
The route described above tackles the peaks anti-clockwise, leaving the tedious bits until last
when the pressure is off and a more leisurely pace can be taken.

From Achallader farm follow the track signposted to Gorton Bothy which leads east from the car park to the
Allt Coire Achaladair. Fording this is usually straightforward in summer and the track is followed to the old
bridge over the Water of Tulla, below the ruined house at Barravourich.

Two routes are possible. The ﬁrst leaves the track for a path marked by posts along the south of the river and into
Crannach Wood. There are sections of deer fencing to encourage regeneration of the native Woodland.

Cross the railway via a footbridge then continue north beside the railway to exit the fencing at a stile at the
Alt Coire an Lochain.

Alternatively, cross the bridge over the river and stay on the track for another 2.5km to reach a footbridge.
Cross back over the river, follow it east for a short distance to clear the woodland, then ascend south to fenced
woodland. Keep left of the pylon to reach a low underpass below the railway to emerge beside the Allt Coire
an Lochain.

Ascend beside the fencing and the Allt Coire an Lochain to reach the lochan below the cliffs of Beinn a’ Chreachain.
A steady ascent eastwards gains the col south of Point 961m and a ridge leading to the summit of Beinn a’ Chreachain.
Rocky slopes lead west to the col below Meall Buidhe. Stick to the crest, rather than the deep path which
bypasses the summit, and follow the broad ridge southwest towards Beinn Achaladair. A steep rocky section gains the
lip of the Achaladair’s upper corrie and the summit ridge.
A long descent is made over the South Top and down to the col between Beinn an Dothaidh and Achaladair, where a
path leads into Coire Achaladair. Initially this is to the right of the burn, but a short distance down you
need to cross to the left. The lower section of the path leads to a bridge over the railway and back to the farm.

Glencoe

Beinn an Dothaidh

from Beinn Achaladair

Beinn an Dothaidh

Route Description for Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Chreachain

Beinn a'Chreachain Gallery :: Beinn Achaladair Gallery

Glencoe Photo Gallery

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