Get Lost Mountaineering

Beinn na Gainimh from Glen Quaich (Revised May 2022)

Start/Finish

Track opposite entrance to Glenquaich lodge (hidden from view from road) on the Glen Quaich road which connects the A827 at the NE end of Loch Tay with Amulree on the A822 Crieff to Aberfeldy road. The track starts at NN 863 369. Note that if approaching from Loch Tay then the Quaich road goes quite high with some steep sections and is not gritted so the Amulree approach must be used in winter conditions. The most useful road sign for the start is “Croftmill”. Parking is limited but there are a few possibilities on gravel about 100 m SE of the track over a small stone bridge.

Distance/Time

10 km      About 4 – 5 hours

Peaks

Beinn na Gainimh, 730 m, NN 837 344.    OS sheet 52: Pitlochry to Crieff.

Introduction

On a clear day, this hill gives good views of the surrounding area although views to the NW can be blocked as the neighbouring hills in this direction are mainly above 800 m. The top of this hill is incredibly flat. There may be a notice near the start of the walk stating that stalking is taking place “today” and giving the stalking season as 1^st July to mid-February. This seems designed to deter hill walkers who have every right to access this hill. A double electric fence has to be crossed high on the hill so make sure that insulating clothing, especially gloves, are carried although the fence is not always switched on. Much of the NW flank of Beinnna Gainimh is covered with what seems to be blaeberry plants which are good at hiding holes underneath them so exercise caution when walking across them.

Route

(1) Walk up the Glen Lochan track passing the house not far from the road. Continue to where the track splits and take the left fork. Follow the track to Lochan a’ Mhuillin, ignoring a track going off left which later rejoins the main track in Glen Lochan. In clear weather, a pointed rocky top will be seen above the far left corner of the lochan. This is the unnamed top at NN 842 351 and is just off the route but could be included for a little extra effort. When the track turns into a newer, bulldozed track and turns right heading uphill, continue ahead on a grassy path/track which may be a little boggy in places. The path seems to end just before a small lochan, Lochan Uaine. Cross the stream which runs from Lochan Uaine to Lochan a' Mhuillin (the large lochan passed earlier). Once across, head up the grassy/heathery/blaeberry slopes trying to use grassy corridors where possible. There are some animal tracks to aid the ascent. Do not aim for the rocky peak (unless wanting to visit it) but go slightly to its right, S, aiming for the bealach at about NN 837 353. On the way, a large boulder will be passed then another with an unusual shape which, from some angles, seems to resemble a castle/rook in chess. Higher up, there is a large rock resembling a claw so head towards this. Above here, is a hollow filled with outcrops which have trees growing out of them. A path goes from near here up towards a bealach (col) but drifts right, missing the bealach, to follow the double electric fence which ascends south up Beinn na Gainimh. Cross the fence, taking care to avoid possible electric shocks, when the path looks better on the other side. Follow the fence past its highest point until a wide grassy corridor goes off left. Follow the grassy corridor, which has peat bogs on its left, for about 150 m to reach a tiny cairn which is the summit of Beinn na Gainimh, 730 m.

(2) Return by the same route taking care when descending the blaeberry slopes.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 4^th November, 2010, and 26^th May, 2022,

(b) It is also possible to make an ascent from Newton Bridge on the A 822 at about NN 888 316. Walk W up Glen Almond for about 3½ km then go up the track N to about where it turns E and descends. Pick a way W on to the ridge and follow it over Sron Bealaidh to Beinn na Gainimh. Parts of the ridge can be heavy going caused by deep heather or wet ground. Allow an extra hour for this route.