Beinn Dorain
One of Scotland’s most visible mountains could also be regarded as one of its least known. Let’s try to change that…
Beinn Dorain, Scottish Highlands
Beinn Dorain is a key landmark on the journey into the Highlands, its steep slopes and distinctive summit cone sweeping up from the A82 road, the West Highland railway line and the West Highland Way trail. The massive, unbroken slopes when viewed from Bridge of Orchy show off the sheer scale of the mountain, while the eastern approaches explore Beinn Dorain’s quiet, spectacular corries. Even better, its close proximity to the neighbouring peak of Beinn an Dothaidh allows you to bag two Munros in one day if your legs and lungs are up to it. There are further routes from the north that take in Beinn an Dothaidh first, but we’ve focused on the four immediate trails approaching Beinn Dorain from the A82.
1 FROM BRIDGE OF ORCHY
MEDIUM ■ 3 hours ■ 5.1km ■ 885m ascent
Start Bridge of Orchy, NN297396 Terrain Steep mountainside, hanging corrie, steep head wall, narrow col, rounded ridge and summit plateau
The most popular route of the range, giving direct access to the col between Beinn an Dothaidh and Beinn Dorain. Follow the minor road towards the railway station, then take the track through the underpass. On the other side of the railway join the path that climbs steeply alongside Allt Coire an Dothaidh to Coire an Dothaidh. Skirt south-east around the base of the crags at the head of the corrie to gain the col. This is also a good point to bag Beinn an Dothaidh from, but for Beinn Dorain turn south down the main ridge for around 2km.
2 SOUTH RIDGE
HARD ■ 3 hours ■ 3.8km ■ 870m ascent Start A82 near Auch, grid ref NN317354
Terrain Very steep, rounded ridge and rocky summit cone
A long, steep slog only enlivened by a few rocks near the summit. Take the minor road through Auch then follow the West Highland Way a short distance west. Leave it and climb north to the first rail underpass. On the other side of the train line, gain the bottom of the south ridge and climb its steep crest north to the mountain’s summit cone. It gets very steep with a feeling of exposure in places, so watch your step!
3 COIRE CHRUITEIN
HARD ■ 3½ hours ■ 6.2km ■ 875m Start A82 near Auch, grid ref NN317354 Terrain Steep-sided glen, hanging corrie, craggy headwall, narrow ridge and rocky summit cone
Steep and wild with a bit of easy scrambling near the top of the rocky Coire Chruitein, this is the route if you’re looking for adventure. Take the minor road through Auch then follow the track on the south-east side of the Allt Kinglass for around 2.5km. Cross the burn in a safe place then climb north-west along the north-east side of the trees. At the top of the trees continue steeply north-west alongside the Allt Coire Chruitein up into Coire Chruitein. Up at the head of the coire gain the subsidiary ridge linking to Meall Garbh. Once you gain the ridge turn south-west, then south at Carn Sasunnaich, to the summit of Beinn Dorain.
4 COIRE A’ GHABHALACH
MEDIUM ■ 4½ hours ■ 11.5km ■ 905m Start A82 near Auch, grid ref NN317354 Terrain Steep-sided glen, long hanging corrie, narrow col, craggy ridge and rocky summit cone
Tucked away on the east side of the range, the remote and lonely Coire a’ Ghabhalach gives a long yet rewarding approach through superb mountain scenery. Take the minor road through Auch then follow the track on the south-east side of the Allt Kinglass through Gleann Achadh-innis Chailean to Ais-an t-Sithean. Leave the track and follow the Allt Coire a’ Ghathalach up into Coire a’ Ghabhalach. Continue alongside the burn and climb west to gain the col at the head of the corrie. If you want to bag Beinn an Dothaidh, climb the main ridge north to its western top. If you’re just heading for Beinn Dorain, follow the main ridge south to its 1076m summit.