Apr 19th, 2016

Author: donich_admin

Beinn Reithe

I added to my mountain collection this afternoon by climbing Beinn Reithe, which is the one next to Cnoc Coinnich further down the peninsula towards Coran Lochan.

I set out about 12:30 – it was a nice day for a walk, quite cold but still and with the sun peeping through from time to time. I walked along the Duke’s path to Stuckbeg, stopping on the way to give some advice on how to get to Coran to a nice couple from Holland (obviously in search of some hills). When I got between the two gates I turned left up a faint path which took me through some forestry and out onto the (very steep) hillside. It was not too bad going as it is spring and also quite dry – but this would not be a walk for summer or after a lot of rain as I would imagine it could get very wet and the bracken would be up to your chest in high season. Today there was just some marsh celandine and wood sorrel coming through.

 

Basically from here I just headed straight up the hillside which is steep but not craggy (until the end). The big mountain to the right is the Saddle (on my list for a visit) and Beinn Reithe is the one straight ahead. The last 50m up to the trig point is quite rocky with some grade 1 scrambling in places and it is essential to take care, particularly on the way back down.

The view from the top is sensational; you can see Cnoc Connich behind you, the Saddle and Coran Lochan ahead, and beyond them, the firth of Clyde and out to Arran. Loch Goil and Loch Long fall away to either side, and in the far distance you can see Loch Fyne.

I didn’t linger that long as there was a cold breeze but made my way down the way I came. I’ll have to come out for a longer day with R and a picnic and we can do the Saddle as well (apparently you can get back down to Coran and the Duke’s pass from there).

I’m pretty tired this evening and my feet are a bit sore – but it was a good afternoon.