“Beinn Narnain, Arrochar”

Last monday the opportunity came up to spend the morning in Arrochar, a place that is surrounded with some fine munros & corbetts. Beinn Narnain a munro I personally enjoy & with heavy winter conditions looked perfect. I usually  start from the Forestry Commission car park (charge) at Succoth on the south side of Loch Long, opposite Arrochar. From here I cross the main road and follow the marked path opposite through the woods. This is the main route to the Cobbler. After a very short distance turn right up a faint path through the undergrowth. The path soon becomes clearer and starts to climb steeply; it is often very wet after rain in summer . The trees are left behind and the climb continues past a series of concrete bases which are remains of the hydro project here. When a track is reached, go straight across it and continue on the rugged path over a rocky step. There are good views back down to the loch and Ben Lomond beyond. Higher up, a path traversing the side of the hill is reached. Although the OS map shows the route up Beinn Narnain turning left here, the main route continues straight on, bearing slightly right at first and then continuing the climb up rough ground. There are a couple of rocky scrambles which can be a challenge with snow & ice covered paths. After the next steep section of ascent, the Cobbler can be seen to the left and there is a brief flatter section before the continuing ascent to Cruach nam Miseag. There is a brief descent before reaching the prominent rock buttress of the Spearhead. The route, on a small path, is to the right of the main buttress and follows a rock-filled gully with no difficulties. The summit is shortly after the spearhead.

~ by tommykelly3 on February 18, 2009.