Beinn Loinne
31 October 2007
This Corbett summit is not actually named on the map but uses the name
Beinn Loinne from a hill two kilometres to the east and 14 metres
lower. The name Druim nan Cnamh has also been used but refers to its
east ridge. Whatever name you wish to use it is located midway along
the south shore of Loch Cluanie in Kintail on the opposite side of the
Loch from the main A87 which runs through the glen.
On my previous visit to this hill I climbed it from the east so on
this occasion I settled for a westerly approach. Just east of the
Cluanie Inn the old road to Tomdoun left the A87 where there is some
limited parking.
I followed this tarred road passed fixed notices about a deer cull in
progress but the signs weren't specific and are obviously there
throughout the stalking season which lasts from July till February.
However another sign asked walkers to keep to paths and ridges and out
of the corries.
After around an hour or so of walking in wind and rain I reached what
appeared to be the highest point of the road and this was where I
planned to leave it. I was a bit reluctant to do so as the terrain was
wet and boggy with lots of water but I had no option so I set off
across the moorland trying to avoid the water and bog. This stretch
of boggy moorland lasted for around two kilometres until the gradient
increased and the underfoot conditions improved slightly. At this
point I spotted a stag and around four hinds running off northwards.
The wind was now very strong so I tried to find the lee side of the
hill for a bit of shelter but was unsuccessful. Several times I had to
correct my balance as the wind caught me. It was a bit of a battle
with the wind to reach the trig point marking the summit of the west
top of Beinn Loinne.
There were no views and it was too windy to hang around so I descended
as quickly as possible using the route of ascent back to the start.
The streams were now in spate with lots of water rushing off the
hillsides.
Time taken - 4.75hours.
Distance - 17.5 kilometres.
Height climbed - 710 metres.
There are no photos due to the poor weather conditions.
Lindsay
www.caledoniahilltreks.com