Beinn Odhar Circuit

A short straightforward walk (although a bit steep) up a grassy corbett but with an interesting descent to give a longer walk. Beinn Odhar along with Beinn Dorain is a shapely hill at the head of the Auch Glen on the popular West Highland Way path.

Distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 miles
Ascent: 840 m / 2750 feet
Terrain: Trodden path and grassy slopes off path. Maintained path for the West Highland Way sections
Start / finish: Tyndrum

Route Map

Start the walk from the shop in Tyndrum where there is parking round the side by the river. The initial 1.3km of the walk are northwards along the West Highland Way out of Tyndrum towards Bridge of Orchy. Once the path crosses the railway line, strike off right across grassy slopes aiming directly for the summit of Beinn Odhar ahead of you. There is a feint grassy path to start with but this does fade out before making an intermittent reappearance at times. As you approach the summit a false top is encountered and the gradient increases for a while.

From the summit cairn there are panoramic views across the South Highlands and up to Ben Nevis and Lochaber.

From the summit descend south east towards a small lochan. Skirt the locahn on its right hand side and pick up a feint path which follows the line of old fence posts south east for 500m before turning south. Continue descending to wet ground between Beinn Odhar and Meall Buidhe before ascending to the 653m summit of Meall Buidhe.

The route continues south south easterly for 1.5km to reach another hillock. From this point start to descend to your left in a south easterly direction. The fences can easily be crossed in the corner where they meet. Descend easterly into the glen keeping any fences to your right. The slope is a bit steep at first but soon eases off. The lower slopes are clad in bog myrtle but this is easily negotiated.

Join the landrover track in the glen and turn right to follow it under the railway, to Auchtertyre Farm and eventually to the main road. After Auchtertyre Farm you are on the West Highland Way and the route is signposted. An underpass takes you under the main road to a path alongside the River Fillan.

There are a number of junctions along this path with tracks leading to Cononish and Dalrigh but just keep following the West Highland Way signposts. The Lochan of the Lost Sword is reached and is a lovely spot for a break before completing the route to the outskirts of Tyndrum. When Tyndrum is reached stay on the West Highland Way path passing first the Pine Trees and then By the Way campsites. After By the Way look out for a path to your right which leads down to the river, fords it and then joins a road leading into Tyndrum. You emerge on the main road opposite the shop where you started.