The Scottish Highlands

Ben Challum Circuit

A circular traverse of Ben Challum

including the two Corbetts

- Beinn Chaorach and Cam Chreag

and an ascent of the NW ridge of Ben Challum

Beinn Chaorach ( 2685ft, 818m - a Corbett )

at start of ascent from Auchtertyre

Cam Chreag ( 2900ft, 884m - a Corbett )

at start of ascent from Auchtertyre

Cam Chreag ( 2900ft, 884m - a Corbett )

Ben Lui on ascent of Beinn Chaorach

Ben Dorain

from trig point on

summit of Beinn Chaorach

Beinn Chuirn ( 2887ft, 880m - a Corbett )

in the Ben Lui Group

from Beinn Chaorach

Ben Dorain

and Beinn a Chaisteil ( 2907ft, 886m - a Corbett )

from Beinn Chaorach

Ben Challum from Beinn Chaorach

Beinn a Chuirn ( 3020ft ) and Beinn Mhanoch ( 3125ft ) from Beinn Chaorach

Beinn nam Fuaran ( 2645ft, 806m - a Corbett )

from Beinn Chaorach

crossing Auch Gleann

beneath Ben Dorain

Beinn an Dothaidh and Ben Nevis

from Cam Chreag

Beinn Mhanach ( 3125ft )

above Loch Lyon from Cam Chreag

Beinn Mhanach ( 3125ft )

from Ben Challum

Ben Oss, Beinn Dubhchraig,

Ben Lui and Beinn Chuirn

from summit of Cam Chreag ( 2900ft, 884m )

North Face of Ben Challum

from Cam Chreag

Meall Glas from Cam Chreag

Cruach Ardrain ( 3428ft, 1046m )

from Ben Challum

Cam Chreag and Ben Challum

on descent from Beinn Dubhchraig

Ben Challum

on descent from Beinn Dubhchraig

Auchtertyre

at start / finish of Ben Challum Circuit

Stob Garbh and Cruach Ardrain

from River Fillan

Route Map for Ben Challum

( Note: Click here or on map for large format copy )

Location Map for Ben Challum

Ben Challum

- Ascent Route

BEN CHALLUM CIRCUIT - ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

Location: Tyndrum. Stirlingshire
Map: OS Landranger 50 [GR 386 322]
Distance: 12.5 miles ( 20km )
Time: 6 hours
Terrain: paths and open hillside

Ben Challum has an unjustified reputation as a rather dull hill, largely due to the standard route of ascent up the broad southern flanks.
True, these slopes are not very interesting and have more than their fair share of fences, boggy bits and indistinct paths, but things do get better as height is gained and the second and steeper half of the ascent is excellent.
The following route will spice it up by adding an entree in the form of two Corbetts - Beinn Chaorach and Cam Chreag - and leaving the boggy hits to the end, when anything gentle, downhill and spongy underfoot is to be welcomed.
Leave the A82 south-east of Tyndrum and park just below Auchtertyre farm. Follow the access road towards the farm
and chalets, tuming left on to a track before the bridge over the river. Pass under the railway and follow the track up the glen onto the southern ridge of the first Corbett - Beinn Chaorach. This broad grassy ridge leads gently to the summit, marked by a cylindrical trig point and spectacular views north. Head down the north ridge, with even better views, to the col below Cam Chreag, then ascend north and east across slightly rockier terrain to the summit, which is marked bya small cairn. Turn east and follow the airy ridge, aiming straight for Ben Challum's north lace. Following the ridge to its very end gives a fine view of this big craggy face, before turning west to the blunt west ridge. Here an old fence is followed steeply down to the Bealach Ghlas Leathaid below Ben Challum.
The north-west ridge looks imposingly steep and craggy, but the stabby crag is easily avoided on its east side, via a diversion on to the north face. Regain the ridge and follow it to the large summit cairn. From here, a short section of ridge leads to the South Top. Descend stony slopes following an old fence line which brings you to a three—way meeting of fences and a stile. A choice of descents can be made from here.
Crossover to a higher path and remain on the high ground until you can descend grassy slopes south-west to gain a track which passes below the eastern end oi the railway viaduct and leads hack down toAuchtertyre.
Alternatively, remain on the path beside the fence and follow it down to cross the railway above Kirkton Farm and take the West Highland Way back to Auchtertyre.