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
