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The Bridge
of Orchy group is a popular chain of four Munros running north south just
east of Loch Tulla. The fit walker with daylight may manage all four in
one day, but in winter most are content to take two days. This walk looks
at the northerly pair, accessible from Achallader Farm just north of Bridge
of Orchy. Turn off the A82 at the north end of Loch Tulla and park at
a spacious car park kindly provided by the estate. The decaying tower
here was a hunting lodge of the Stuart kings and naturally there are dark
stories of how it was wrested from its owners by devious and dirty means.
From the
car park continue northeast on foot along the track, and passing where
the track crosses the Water of Tulla by a bridge continue by a path leading
into Crannach Wood. This is a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest.
Go up through the wood and cross the railway by a bridge at 349 454. Continue
in an easterly direction through gradually thinning wood and so gain open
hill slopes below Coire an Lochain.
Climb grassy
slopes east to gain the northeast ridge of Beinn a'Chreachain (scallop-shaped
hill), just southwest of Point 961m. Follow the ridge southwest to reach
the summit, with one short, narrow section. In thick mist be careful with
your navigation. From the summit go northwest to a col above Coire an
Lochain then climb up to the west to gain the northeast end of the summit
ridge of Meall Buidhe. This is fairly level, and leads to the top at 978m
with a cairn.
Continue
southwest from the cairn to a col at 813m then climb up the steep and
rocky east ridge of Beinn Achaladair to gain the north ridge with a top
at 1036m. The true summit is two metres higher and lies about 230m southwest.
There is not only a steep drop down cliffs next to the summit the view
across the vast expanse of the Rannoch Moor is thought-provoking.
The ridge
now curves gently southward and leads in 1.25km to the south top of Achaladair
at 1002m. From here descend by the easy south ridge to gain the col at
the head of Coire Daingean (this latter is pronounced 'tingin'). From
the large cairn at the col go north down into this coire. A short steep
slope leads to easier ground, though if the ground is frozen the descent
can be laborious, with many icy sheets. Paths on either side of the Allt
Coire Achaladair lead to footbridges across the railway line just above
Achallader Farm and your starting point.
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