Beinn a' Chochuill

Beinn a’ Chochuill is a 980-metre Munro and Marilyn in the Scottish Highlands. It stands in Argyll and Bute between Loch Etive and Loch Awe, part of a ridge that runs east–west. The mountain’s Gaelic name means ‘hill of the shell’, though its slopes hold no shells. To the east lies its twin, Beinn Eunaich, separated by the valleys of the Allt Mhoille and the River Noe. From Loch Awe the peak is almost hidden by its neighbours, yet it still ranks as the second-highest point of its massif. Walkers often climb Beinn a’ Chochuill together with Beinn Eunaich. The usual start is the bridge where the B8077 leaves the A85 near Castles Farm at Loch Awe’s north end. From there the route follows the Allt Mhoille valley up to the Lairig Noe col, then ascends the steep southern ridge to the summit. An easier alternative climbs the broad south-east flank. Those who prefer can first summit Beinn Eunaich and then follow the broad connecting ridge west-north-west to Beinn a’ Chochuill’s top. North-side approaches from Glen Kinglass are longer and pathless, requiring a moorland march and an overnight stay in the Narrachan bothy. The summit offers wide views across the surrounding glens and lochs. To the west the ridge drops gently to the shores of Loch Etive, while to the north the land falls away into the valley of the River Liver. Southwards a short spur plunges steeply to the 564-metre Bealach of the Lairig Noe, the traditional pass to the Ben Cruachan massif. On clear days the peaks of Glencoe and Ben Nevis appear in the distance, while closer at hand the waters of Loch Awe reflect the surrounding hills.