Day 4 - Gorton Bothy to Crianlarich, 36.9 km, 2980m ascent

This is a long day that could be broken at Auch after descending Beinn Dorain. I orginally intended to traverse Beinn Odhar and Beinn Chaorach to Ben Chalum but after that descent from Beinn Dorain, a similarly brutal ascent of Beinn Odhar has little appeal.  I was glad I took the route I did.  The first half of the day involves a high level ridge finishing in the much viewed but rarely walked South ridge of Beinn Dorain. This constitutes an exceptionally steep descent that ends in the iconic railway viaduct at Auch.  Once on Ben Chalum, the way is obvious and much more frequented, but does little to prepare you for the hordes on the 4 miles of the West Highland Way that take you to Crianlarich.

Take the track to the railway, then head for the top of the wall beyond. A slog ensues to the ridge which leads more pleasantly  to the first summit. A high level Munro romp ensues to Beinn Dorain. This afford fine views of the peaks above Rannoch Moor and Glen Lyon to the East.  The South ridge of Beinn Dorain begins innocently enough but soon develops into a knee jarring descent that must be one of the steepest around.  Take care as its easy to slip and much less easy to stop a slide! Cross the railway using an underpass and trend down to a bridge over the river at the bottom.

 

The viaduct at Auch with Beinn Dorain behind

 Assuming that you take the more gentle continuation from Auch, walk up the dirt road beside the Allt Coralan until you have to mount the steep grassy headwall. A traverse can be made around Cam Chreag to reach the next col to ascend the rocky North West ridge of Ben Chalum.  Here you pick up a large Munro path which you may well find to be populated with ardent Munro baggers.  At the bottom, the West Highland Way wends through the forest to Crianlarich. You are unlikely to get lost or be alone!