Route: Beinn a' Ghlo

Distance: 21km

Ascent: 1350m

Grade: Very strenuous

Time taken: 8+ hours

OS Map: 43

Beinn a' Ghlo is a big, complex mountain that comprises three Munro's. The Beinn a' Ghlo massif is seen from many parts of Perthshire. The route starts and finishes at the informal car park at the road end by Loch Moraig. To get there, drive to Blair Atholl and take the minor road to Old Bridge of Tilt. From there, follow the road up the hill (signposted to Monzie). 

The route follows a good track and then a path which branches off next to a shepherd's hut. After a wet section with stepping stones, a renovated path climbs up Carn Liath (976m). The summit offers some great views on a good day. From the summit, the route continues along a high ridge before dropping to a col. From here, there is a long but steady climb up to the summit of Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain (1070m). The final Munro, Carn nan Gabhar (1121m), involves a further drop and climb. From here, the route starts to head back to the starting point! From the prow of Airgoid Bheinn (1061m), there is a steep and at times stony descent to the moorland below. However, a good path makes the walking easier from here.

On a good day, the route offers lots of big views in all directions. It offers a sense of remoteness and challenge. Beinn a' Ghlo is also known as the Witch's Mountain and there are lots of stories to tell!

The walk follows good paths and tracks, except for a pathless section of under 2km, but it is a long and challenging mountain day with several hours of walking above 900m. The temperature and the weather can change a lot between the low valleys and the summits. Walkers need to be fit, experienced and well-equipped!