Beinn Mhanach

Beinn Mhanach stands in the Breadalbane region of the Scottish Highlands, east of Bridge of Orchy. The mountain overlooks Loch Lyon to the south and Gleann Cailliche to the north. It is a Munro with two rounded summits, the higher reaching 953 metres. From the West Highland Line and the A82 road, the mountain is visible 8 kilometres away. The southern slopes are grassy, while the northern side is craggier and more remote. The name comes from a monastery once at its foot, used by clan MacGregor. Duncan Ban MacIntyre, a well-known poet, lived for years in a cottage at Ais-an-t-Sidhean, now a ruin used as a sheep fank. The mountain’s history is tied to these connections with clan routes and local figures. No trace of the monastery remains today. Two popular routes lead to the summit. One starts near Auch, following Auch Gleann past the ruined cottage. The other begins at Achallader farm and is often combined with climbs of nearby Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a’ Chreachain. The slopes to the north-east of Beinn a’ Chuirn are traversed to reach the summit dome. The views from the top stretch across Loch Lyon and the surrounding glens.