Beinn Dorain, Beinn an Dothaidh - Bridge of Orchy Hills - Oct 2004


Beinn Dorain, Beinn an Dothaidh Information

Beinn Dorain is a familiar site to anyone traveling up the A82 towards Glencoe.  If towers over you with what looks like near vertical slopes (exaggeration) anyway a fantastic site.  Having only seen the hill from this view point I thought it would be one hell of a climb but a secret bealach round the back makes a very enjoyable walk.  The two hills along with Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Chreachain form what is known as the Great Wall of Rannoch from the road this is clear to see but does not look very wall like when you’re up there! The two hills are connected by a high bealach and each top offers amazing views.  Beinn Dorain for viewing well basically all the southern Highland peaks and all the surrounding Lochs (I counted 4), Beinn an Doitaidh for spectacular views of the bleak harsh Rannoch Moor.  Overall should be an excellent day out once you get past the initial climb to the bealach (read route for more info on this).


Beinn Dorain, Beinn an Dothaidh Route

The route starts at Bridge of Orchy station where parking is limited so get there fast.  Head under the underpass and immediately turn left and onto the open hillside.  A path starts up right away which you follow the bealach on a clear day it is clear where the bealach is.  As I was saying before this part of the walk is not that enjoyable the views are not really seen until you get onto the bealach and the path at points turns into a mud bath.  Anyway once you reach the bealach the fun starts immediately you are given a panoramic shot of the Etives, what a site!  Turning right at this bealach (south for all you technical people) takes you to Beinn Dorain which is normally the hill climbed first.  After about 5 minutes you come to Loch Beinn Dorain it’s a nice little thing.  The path continues and takes you up to a very impressive cairn but don’t be fooled the real summit lies another 100m or so further south.  Take in the views and head back to the bealach.  Just before reaching the bealach you can see the path your taking next zig zagging up Beinn an Doitaidh.  It’s a steep path and boggy at parts but the views back to Dorain are impressive.  Near the summit the path disintegrates so just keep heading up any way you can and you will reach the summit ridge.  There are three distinct peaks with the middle peak being the true summit however going to all three is definitely recommended.  The furthest to the right has fantastic views of the southern highland hills while the peak furthest to the left offers breathtaking views of the desolate Rannoch Moor.  To get back just head back to the bealach and head back the way you came. 

Overall a brilliant walk with Beinn an Doitaidh offering the best of the views.   


Beinn Dorain, Beinn an Dothaidh Photos / Images / Pictures 

  Familiar site to all doing the west highland way - Beinn Dorain   The summit ridge of Beinn an Doithaidh

                   Beinn Dorain and its pointy summit                                   Along the summit ridge of Beinn an Dothaidh

The Glen Etive hills as seen from Beinn Dorain

Picturesque shot from Lochan Beinn Dorain looking over to the Glen Etive Hills including the Black Mount