Kenny blogs on climbing snowy Beinn Chabhair
The Big Climb • Published 10 Feb 2010 16:11
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Alloa's Kenny Wilson is continuing his training for a trek up Africa's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro - for Asthma UK. His latest blog covers a walk up Beinn Chabhair near Crianlarich.
Start the walk at Drovers Inn and follow the pavement along the A82 towards Beinglas Farm Campsite. After the bridge turn right into the field, follow the path which skirts around the main building. Pick up the West Highland Way signs which runs between two wigwams and cross a stile over a stone wall. Head straight uphill here on a stony path. The path climbs steeply through another stile and continues uphill towards the Beinglas Falls. After the falls, which were frozen and looked amazing, cross another deer fence (not easy in crampons) and continue following the north side of the burn as it heads into open moorland.
There is a well beaten path which becomes fainter in boggy sections but is still visible in the snow (we found it on the way back) as the route climbs you can see the rugged ridge leading to Beinn Chabhair to the left. As heavy snow has fallen the assent routes cannot been seen so unless you know the route well or are following other walkers (remember they could be lost too) you're on your own from here. This is a difficult climb, we had maps, compass and a copy of the Munro book with us and still found it testing with one of my friends having some 70 Munros under his belt
The guild books tell you that "Before you reach Lochan Beinn Chabhair and before it comes into view, turn off north to follow a faint path to the left" however, as I said before, the snow had wiped out all traces of a path so when the Lochan came into sight we started making our way up a gully crowned with a distinguished large pointed rock upon its ridge.
We made our way with great care along the ridge as the snow had covered all signs of the path. This is a hard ridge with peaks and troughs with the last section gaining height in a very short distance and challenging trekking, ice axe and crampons a must. Continue till you reach the summit passing the first cairn and continue towards the true summit. As we were starting our assent a couple asked if we could wait 2 minutes while they sumitted and help them back down the mountain as they had been following us and become disorientated (and not wearing crampons resulting in the young lady following over a couple of times). This mountain has a long walk in so be prepared for that on the way back to Beinglas farm. It is a long day in these conditions so put aside 7-8 hours and remember your head torch for the path back to the Drovers. Places like the Drovers depend on revenue from walkers to survive so make sure you don't just jump back in the car, pop in for a bite to eat or a drink and warm yourself in front of a amazing log fire before you head home.
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