Beinn a' Chleibh

Beinn a’ Chleibh is a 916-metre Munro in the southern Highlands of Scotland. Its Gaelic name means ‘mountain of the basket’ or ‘mountain of the chest’. It stands between Crianlarich and Dalmally, just outside the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The peak is only 1.6 metres taller than the minimum height for a Munro. Only one other Munro, Beinn Teallach, is lower. The mountain is dwarfed by its bulky neighbour Ben Lui to the east. A broad ridge about 1.5 kilometres long links the two peaks across a low col. From Ben Lui the Beinn a’ Chleibh appears as a grassy spur with little prominence. Yet its northern and north-eastern flanks fall steeply into Glen Lochy. Most Munro baggers climb it while doing Ben Lui, using the connecting ridge for the easiest route. The summit is grassy and rounded, offering modest but wide views. Walkers on the ridge see Ben Lui’s bulk to the east and the glen below. The northern cliffs drop sharply into a corrie, adding drama to the scene. The route from the south-west follows a broad track up through heather and bog. The final slope is gentle, leading to a small cairn marking the top.