Beinn a Chocuill, Beinn Eunaich - Cruachan Hills - Feb 05

Beinn a Chochuill , Beinn Eunaich Information

Beinn a Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich form one big long fantastic ridge and form the other half of the Cruachan hills.  The best part about this walk is most definitely the tremendous view you get of the back bone of Ben Cruachan it is such a complex mountain with its ridges and crags everywhere.  These hills are well seen from the Dalmally - Oban road and are quite a site.  The lower part of the walk is through farm land among the heeland coo's a brilliant animal and a favorite with the American tourists I'm told (what ever floats your boat!). Bit more about the ridge now; I really enjoyed this ridge the cornices on the northern slopes looked pretty bad I had read about this though and apparently they hang around well into the spring.  To be honest with you might just be winter conditions talking here but I enjoyed this ridge more than the Aonach Eagach  ( hearing you gasp in horror) but I'm entitled to my opinion.  Anyways Beinn a Chochuill is definitely peak of the day due to its amazing views of Cruachan and Loch Etive.                                                                    A  heeland coo!

Beinn a Chochuill , Beinn Eunaich Route

the route starts at castles farm on the B8077 there is parking near the entrance to the farm or several other places along the road.  Walk up through the farm by passing the main buildings sticking to the farm road.  Say hello to the coos and keep heading up this road.  Its obvious where its going on a clear day you can see it climbing up through the valley skirting round the base of Beinn Eunaich.  After about 2 Km the road splits and this is your cue to take to the slopes of Beinn a Chochuill.  Not sure if there's a path I couldn't find one anyway.  The climb is steep and relentless but just keep heading towards the obvious bealach.  Don't lose faith climbing up here its horrible but is over with quickly.  now that your on the ridge everything opens out and the walk becomes extremely enjoyable.  The views over to the Cruachan horseshoe are great although the real guts of Ben Cruachan are still hidden.  Head west along the ridge to Beinn a Chochuill's foretop and continue along the ridge to the true summit perched at the end of the ridge.  Look to your left and you shall see what I mean about Ben Cruachan, very Alps like.  straight in front of you is an idyllic Loch Etive.  The wind started up right about now for me and was a freezing cold northern one so headed off the summit and back on to the ridge pretty quickly.  With Beinn Eunaich in your sites its now just a case of going back over the ridge passing the bealach.  Its a steep but enjoyable climb to Beinn Eunaich and passes very quickly I was shocked when I saw the cairn.  The descent comes next.  Walk along the summit ridge of Beinn Eunaich following a now obvious path which leads you along its shoulder.  Near the end it drops down to the right back to the farm track you cam in on.  This bit is very steep! I fell over three times ( very sore derriere)  This takes you as I said back to the farm tack, voila you made it head back out the way you came in.

Weather today was great, perfect winter conditions until the wind kicked up near the summit of Beinn a Chochuill but this was exciting.

p.s got myself a new toy Mr. GPS and was trying it out today( didn't really need it today as it was super clear but just wanted a go).  What a brilliant toy! it got me to within 3 steps of the summit cairn now that's engineering!  

Beinn a Chochuil , Beinn Eunaich Photos / Images / Pictures

if your a heeland coo fan ( there's gotta be some ??) here's another picture of one near where I live

        Along the ridge from the Col to Beinn a Chochuill                      Beinn a Chochuill summit straight ahead

The whole ridge from Beinn Eunaich Ben Cruachan on the left         The Cruachan Horseshoe as seen on the way out

The whole walk as seen from Castles farm, path can be seen skirting Beinn Eunaich