Beinn Bhuidhe

Beinn Bhuidhe, at 948 metres, is a neglected Munro shyly hidden away between Glens Shira and Fyne at the head of Loch Fyne, isolated from any others — its long walk-in means it sees far fewer visitors than the nearby Arrochar Alps, despite a surprisingly steep and rocky uppermost ridge that makes for a tremendous viewpoint.

The route starts from a car park just west of the River Fyne, reached via a minor horseshoe road off the A83. Crossing the bridge and heading up-glen past the Fyne Ales brewery — worth a stop for a pint at the start or end of the walk — a private tarmac road leads to Glenfyne Lodge, beyond which an older stony track continues on the west bank past a hydro scheme building and through pretty mixed woodland to Inverchorachan, a locked bothy in a pleasant, secluded location. Beyond a gate, a path climbs steeply alongside the Allt na Faing, gaining height quickly with a short, easy scrambly section clinging to the side of a gorge near a dramatic waterfall — sometimes called a "bad step," it requires care but presents no real difficulty in dry conditions, with secure hand and foot placements available. Above the gorge, the ground levels before climbing again over increasingly boggy terrain, crossing a bulldozed hydro track before the final pull to the broken trig point and cairn on the summit.

As a viewpoint, Beinn Bhuidhe is tremendous: a stunning outlook down Loch Fyne towards Arran, Jura, and Mull, alongside a vast array of mainland peaks including Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui, and the Arrochar Alps.

The descent can retrace the ascent route, but a pathless, easier alternative continues along the ridge for around 300 metres to its lowest point before heading east down less steep ground, then south-east, keeping above the steepest slopes of the gorge on its north side and crossing a couple of streams before reaching mostly grassy ground and eventually rejoining the Glen Fyne track.

The out-and-back or circular round from the River Fyne car park is typically six to eight hours; an alternative, less popular approach via Glen Shira involves very steep forestry slopes and is generally deterred by tricky navigation through felled ground.

The scrambly section near the waterfall demands care, particularly when wet, and the boggy ground higher up combined with the pathless descent option both require confident navigation — full hillwalking skills and a realistic acceptance of the long approach are essential.

The River Fyne car park is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Campbeltown can be requested to stop at Glen Fyne, or at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar near Clachan Farm, a short walk from the start.