Beinn Bheula (January)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.





Distance 14.5km (9 miles)
Total ascent 1031m
Time 5½ hours
Start/finish NN187002
Nearest town Lochgoilhead
Terrain good estate roads with forest tracks and open, trackless hillside; some boggy areas with craggy, steep sections on the higher ground.

Accommodation Lochgoilhead Hotel (01301) 703208; Drimsynie House Hotel (01301) 703247;The Shore House Inn (01301) 703340; many options locally: B&B, cabins, static caravans, camping
Tourist info Tarbet (01301) 702260
Public transport City Link Buses 0870 550 5050; Garelochead Coaches (01436) 810200; Arrochar Station is the nearest: www.scotrail.co.uk 


The Cowal Peninsula has tremendous character. From its southern tip, which is broken apart by sea lochs, it grows northwards into a twisting, rugged mountain wonderland that eventually crashes into the Arrochar Alps. Like the Arrochar peaks the Cowal hills are steep, rough and often wet underfoot. It all makes for a challenging day out – and as these hills are usually quiet, you might have a real Highland mountain all to yourself.  Fewer feet and a lack of consequent erosion on the slopes of Beinn Bheula means that relying on tracks to find your way isn’t an option on the whole route; the open hillside is yours to explore. There is one better-used track that passes through the forest and is a part of the Cowal Way.


I’ve not used it on the route as it’s very muddy and has become difficult in places.Forestry works have changed the ground since Ordnance Survey last updated its Landranger map. There are now several new forestry roads, which I’ve used as a longer walk-out around the ridges of Beinn Lochain and Beinn Tarsuinn with a trip into the fine corrie of the latter with its rocky skyline. Timber operations are ongoing, so be prepared to make a detour if you visit while they’re working.  Beinn Bheula is easily a match for any of the more famous peaks you’ll see from the summit, but let’s keep that between ourselves....




Did you Know?
NS162970 As you ascend towards the crags of 
Creag Sgoilte you can see the scattered remains of a wartime aircraft that crashed here in 1940.    

NN187002 Leave the main road on a private gravel road that passes a field then climbs between houses. Turn left into a lane with houses on the left and grassland right. Follow the lane as it turns right after the last house and meets a forestry gate marked as Lettermay. 

NS188999 Keep to the forest Land Rover track, which enters the trees and contours around the slopes of Mullach a’ Chuirn. The track is initially quite enclosed by trees; but as you progress, mountainous shapes are glimpsed through the gaps and as the track turns southwest the trees have been clearfelled and the bold outline of Beinn Bheula lies dead ahead.

NS173994 The track narrows as it disappears into the trees (this point is different on the ground to the OS Landranger map) and branches left. Follow this option as it climbs steeply parallel to the new tree line. It’s worth following the zigzags near 
the top as they take you beyond the tree root debris and onto the easier grass on the top of the ridge. Follow the wide ridge south-west to a craggy nose, then drop to the loch.

NS168978 Cross the recently built fence to discover that the end of the loch is actually a roughly built dam. It’s a nice spot to stop for a rest before the next ascent. Work your way around the knolls and climb the wide, grassy slopes to the southwest, picking up traces of path here and there. 

NS162970 As the ground levels out, climb the slopes of Creag Sgoilte where the crags that loom ahead can be avoided on the left. Pass its top and follow the summit ridge past the crags of Caisteal Dubh (the Black Castle)to reach to the 779m summit of Beinn Bheula. 

NS154983 The views are as extensive as they are unusual, from the Clyde coast to the back sides of all the Arrochar Alps. It’s a great spot and it really does feel like you’ve found something that no-one else knows about. Pick your way down slippery grass, avoiding the crags, and find the edge of the forestry plantation to the north-east 

NS163996 Cross the narrow burn that flows from the hidden Curra Lochain and find the overgrown forestry track that takes a big zigzag down the hillside to reach a hardpack Land Rover track. Follow the track as it as it contours around the high craggy tops and into a corrie, this track is recent and the tree felling is giving cracking new views. The track doubles back on the other side of the corrie and the last part of the day brings the last views down the length of Loch Goil. 

NN184008 At the gate, turn right and follow a track down steep grass to reach an older forestry road on the fringe of the village. Follow the tracks between the buildings to reach the main road not far from your starting point.