Beinn Ghlas

Beinn Ghlas, at 1,103 metres, is a little-known Munro in its own right despite being one of the most frequently climbed in Scotland, simply because it sits directly on the popular path leading to neighbouring Ben Lawers and is often barely noticed by walkers focused on the higher summit ahead.

The route starts from the Ben Lawers car park, owned by the National Trust for Scotland within a National Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic-alpine flora. A surfaced path leads through a walled interpretation area to a gate, crossing the road before continuing with views to Beinn Ghlas ahead — initially following the Burn of Edramurchy before a steep, sustained ascent up the mountain's flank. The summit itself, marked by a modest cairn, offers little more than a brief pause before the wide path continues along a mostly pleasant grassy ridge, descending to a bealach before the final ascent to Ben Lawers.

Beinn Ghlas is almost never climbed as a standalone objective, its Munro status essentially a byproduct of standing in the way of the far higher and more celebrated Ben Lawers beyond — walkers can continue over Ben Lawers itself, and experienced parties with transport arranged can extend further still over An Stùc, Meall Garbh, and Meall Greigh to complete a circuit of the fine corrie holding Lochan nan Cat.

The standard route taking in both Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers from the car park is around 11.6 kilometres with roughly 988 metres of ascent, typically five to six and a half hours.

Despite good paths throughout and high-level parking that removes much of the climbing, this remains a genuinely exposed high-level walk — the ridge and summits are fully open to bad weather, and full hillwalking equipment is essential regardless of how straightforward the well-worn path appears.

The Ben Lawers car park is chargeable (NTS members free), and is shared with the main Ben Lawers ascent, filling quickly on fine summer weekends.