Proud wonder of Ben Lui, great pyramid of Scotland
Unique mountain towers over its sisters
With elegant lines and an alpine-like grace, Ben Lui is one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland.
It’s the tallest peak in a line of four – Beinn a’ Chleibh, Ben Lui, Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig – that zig-zags east to west between Tyndrum and Crianlarich. Although its neighbours are also Munros, they’re far smaller and Ben Lui, appears to stand alone – a proud pyramid.
The hill looks its best when approached from the northeast, from where its most distinctive feature, the great bowl of Coire Gaothaich, is clearly visible. This corrie usually holds snow late into summer, when all around is a green, lending the mountain even more of an alpine aspect. Easy access by railway meant Ben Lui was a hill popular with Scotland’s mountaineering pioneers in the Victorian era. Coire Gaothaich holds a number of lower-grade winter routes for climbers. Most famous is Central Gully, first climbed in 1892. It is a Grade 1 but in a thrilling situation and feels much more adventurous. It pops you right out on the summit. The quickest way up the hill is from the northwest, the Glen Lochay side. There’s a car park off the south side of the A85. It involves an awkward river crossing and there’s the railway to negotiate. You’re required to go beneath it – crossing the rails risks your life and a hefty trespass fine. The underpass also contains a stream, so you’re likely to get your feet wet. After that, it’s a steep slog up grassy slopes. Hardly an inspiring route for such a majestic hill. Taking in the adjacent Beinn a’ Chleibh gives a route of about 10km (6.2 miles), with 1,100m (3,609ft) of ascent and will take four or five hours. Far better for those who like a bit of scrambling is the longer route from Dalrigh via Cononish. Much of the way can be cycled, saving a lot of time.