Walk of the week: Beinn Na Lap

Published on Saturday 14 November 2009 13:44

During the summer I wrote: "It may have taken a while in coming, but two weeks ago the persistent Mountain Lamb (ML) climbed Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Sgurr Ban, to reduce his outstanding Munro tally to just two. A guided return to Skye in June should see Am Basteir climbed, thus leaving Beinn na Lap for the final party celebration."

Am Basteir was eventually climbed and so on 17 October a 14-strong group set off from Corrour railway station to climb the ML's ultimate Munro.

Beinn na Lap lies near the heart of Scotland and but for the West Highland Railway giving easy access it would be one of the more remote Munros to be treasured. The usual way up is thus from Corrour station – well armed with a railway timetable. With a 400m starting height and a walk of less than three miles, reaching its modest 935m summit takes only two to three hours.

Beinn na Lap is thus a sensible and popular hill on which to complete a Munro round. It was the scene of the fifth known Munro completion in 1933, when John Dow reached the top accompanied by his friend Percy Donald, compiler of the eponymous list of southern Scotland hills. The ML was planning to join an illustrious group.

It is easy to dismiss Beinn na Lap, it has an uninspiring slope and even its name, possibly mottled hill, hardly seems exciting, yet it gives wonderful views of Loch Ossian and the outlying circle of distant Munros.

The ML was blessed with glorious autumnal weather. We arrived at Corrour on the 11:08 train from Rannoch station, an all too short journey of ten minutes, but at a bargain 5.20 day return.

The route

The route is straightforward. From the station head for Loch Ossian, following the track to just before Ossian youth hostel.

If you have time to spare, have a look at the hostel. Opened in 1931, its position and place in the history of the SYHA makes it the jewel in the crown. This former boat-house was originally used as a stopping point from the station, using the pier to board a steam yacht to proceed to the lodge at the far end of the loch. Changed days indeed.

From the track fork go round the top end of the loch and then strike up NNE on what is now, sadly, a worn path that leads over an easy slope towards the whale-back ridge. There is a lochan just short of the summit cairn.

So, after 28+ years since Meall Buidhe, his first Munro, the ML has done it. With good weather and a late afternoon train there was plenty of time in which to celebrate. Then, intoxicated with champagne, we slowly made our way back to Corrour.

For some, the frisson of risk in getting back too late for the return train adds a little spice to what is but a short day. We had no such problem. Indeed our problem was the other way round – what to do with the spare time until the 18:25 train? Luckily, there is the Corrour Station Restaurant on the site of the old stationmaster's house. We were thus able to wait in comfort with suitable refreshments until our train back to Rannoch. However, it should be noted that during November the restaurant will only be open at weekends and only until 22 November – the business will cease trading on 28 November.

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is currently exploring the potential for the inclusion of Corrour Station House in its network.

That evening we were royally entertained at Bunrannoch House, Kinloch Rannoch; a fitting and enjoyable end to that long Munro trail. Well done, Mountain Lamb, whose anonymity should now be lifted. Well done, Gordon Davies.

Maps Ordnance Survey map 41, Ben Nevis

Distance 5 miles

Height 550m

Terrain Track then path leading to easy whaleback ridge

Start point Corrour railway station

Time 3 to 4 hours

Nearest town Fort William

Nearest refreshment spot Corrour Station Restaurant

This article was first published in The Scotsman Magazine on 14/11/09