Beinn Bhuidhe. 29th October 2012

A watchfull buzzard I spotted on the way into Beinn Bhuidhe. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

I was up early to double check the weather forecasts for the day and looking out from the front room window it certainly looked like today was going to be a good day for going to the hills. Over coffee and breakfast I checked my equipment, making sure I had packed everything needed for the days adventure. Once satisfied all was present and correct I left the flat and walked over to the Kinning Park Underground Station to meet folk from the Scottish Hillwalking & Activities Group. Everybody met on time and soon we were on our way to the hills.

Glen Fyne. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Arriving at the car park (NN193127) at the beginning of the days adventure we met another member of the group and we introduced ourselves. There was a real buzz in the air as we all readied ourselves for the day, it was still frosty, a little chilly but the sun was shining and the skies were clear. We left the car park, crossed the bridge (NN195127) and started the walk in along the private road in a north easterly direction. Everyone in the group was happy, full of excitement as we chatted and walked along. At 1st passing the Fyne Ales Brewery (NN198131), continuing along the road we crossed the river at the road bridge (NN215149) still walking in a north easterly direction we soon passed Glenfyne Lodge (NN221155). A short distance after Glenfyne Lodge the road turns north and we continued to Inverchorachan (NN228179), crossed another bridge (NN229181) and then stopped for short break.

The view north, Beinn Dubhchraig & Ben Oss. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once everybody in the group had rested and eaten we continued on our way. We left the road and started to ascend the steep grassy slopes in a north westerly direction towards the south east ridge of the north east top of Beinn Bhuidhe. The ground is steep and was hard going at times but we overcame the difficulties and soon we were on the summit of the north east top (NN213193) of Beinn Bhuidhe. Again we rested and enjoyed the views around us for some time before moving on.

Mary, Toddy, Kate & Alec on the ascent to the true summit of Beinn Bhuidhe. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Just as we started our descent to the bealach in between the north east top and the true summit of Beinn Bhuidhe the weather closed in reducing our visibility to no more than 50m. The descent to the bealach (NN211191) is steep but we took our time and gained the bealach without incident. Crossing the bealach we soon picked up the foot path that ascends directly to the summit of Beinn Bhuidhe. As we arrived at the true summit of Beinn Bhuidhe (NN204187) the weather looked to be clearing so again we rested for a while in the hope that the weather would break up and reveal a view. As luck would have it, it did break up revealing fleeting glimpses of the views towards Oban, Tyndrum and the Arrochar Alps.

Northeast top of Beinn Bhuidhe. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Time was ticking by and we started our descent back to the bealach, picking up the main footpath we descended in a south westerly direction towards Allt na Faing. The path is steep, loose in places and badly eroded. We took our time descending giving each other help and support where and when needed. At one point or another I think we all slipped over and ended up covered in mud. We arrived back at Inverchorachan just as darkness was falling. We stopped to rest and eat the last of our snacks before walking out.

Kate, Alec, Myself and Toddy at the summit of Beinn Bhuidhe. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The walk out was just as good as the walk in. There was a real buzz as folk chatted amongst themselves discussing the days adventure. During the descent the weather had cleared and now the moon was shining over the glen and the stars were out in full view. It was a very pleasant way to end the day and we all returned to the cars safely having enjoyed a great day on the hills. 

The view looking south west over Arrochar Alps with Ben Lomond in the background. 29/10/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)