Beinn Leamhain (508m) 7th June 2009

Looking into Loch Leven to Aonach Eagach and Bidean nam Bian

I parked the car near Sallachan, just off the A861, at a large lay-by near the River Gour. I started walking at 9.10 am on the right of way up Glen Gour, and it was another sunny day. There were lovely views to Druim na Sgriodain, Sgorr Mhic Eacharna and Beinn na h-Uamha. A fence enclosed the hillside to my left and it wasn't until I had passed Loch nan Gabhar that I saw a gate. The climb was hard work on account of the tough vegetation, which consisted of long tussocky grass, thick heather and tall bilberry, with hidden rocks and holes. The angle of the slope relented at about 400 metres and the going became easier, although getting to that point had involved a lot of energy. Eventually I reached the trig point at 502m and enjoyed the views down Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven to Ben Nevis, the Mamores, Bidean nam Bian, Beinn a' Bheithir and the Aonach Eagach. It was a short walk to the actual top at 508m, marked by a small cairn, which I reached at 10.55 am. There was a tremendous view of the east face of Garbh Bheinn, as well as a number of other peaks in Ardgour, the island of Mull and what I took to be the Paps of Jura.

Sgurr a' Chaorainn (761m), Sgurr Dhomhnuill (888m) and Beinn na h-Uamha (762m) from Beinn Leamhain

I couldn't face descending the same way so I went down the ENE ridge which gave easier going, although it was steep at times. However, near the road I came across some steep crags and it took a while to find a safe way down. Once I was down to the road it was a short walk to the car, which I reached at 12.05 pm. After a quick lunch I had the long drive home.

Garbh Bhein (885m) from Beinn Leamhain

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