Get Lost Mountaineering

Beinn Luibhean from Glen Croe

Start/Finish

Small rough car park, on the A83, in Glen Croe just before a large stone bridge at NN 242 060. This is about a mile below the Rest and be Thankful pass. From Arrochar, follow the A83 around the head of Loch Long then up Glen Croe. The car park is about 5 miles from Arrochar.

Distance/Time

4 km.     About 4 hours..

Peaks

Beinn Luibhean, 858 m, NN 242 060.      OS Sheet 56.

Introduction

Surrounded by the more famous peaks of The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime and Beinn an Lochain, Beinn Luibhean sees few visitors, most of whom are only probably ascending because it is on their round of The Corbetts. It gives a short day which is straightforward in Summer although there are steep grassy sections which would need experience and equipment under winter conditions. The route is mainly pathless. There are small crags but all are easily avoided. Views are excellent especially to the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, Beinn Bhuidhe and the Ben Lui range can be seen and even Ben Cruachan.

Route

(1) Walk out of the back of the car park and cross an old bridge to reach a path which picks its way uphill shadowing the N bank of the burn. Unfortunately, this is not a path which goes to the summit so leave it to gain the obvious S ridge at a suitable point as there is no cairn or path to guide one. Start picking a way up the grassy S ridge which is steep in places with a scattering of large rocks and a few small crags – all easily avoidable. The ridge is not as well defined as OS 56 suggests and many different lines are possible which is probably why there a distinct path has not developed. The crags become more noticeable at about the 700 m contour but they pose no problems. The summit is not visible until it is almost reached and there are a few false tops on the way. Eventually,the top is reached which is an outcrop with a tiny cairn on the highest rock to mark the summit of Beinn Luibhean, 858 m.

(2) Retrace the outward route taking care on the steep sections especially if the grass is wet or covered by snow.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 1^st October, 2015, and about 15 years previously.