You will need Ordnance Survey map 50, Glen Orchy & Loch Etive.
For an Auchtertyre start, many hillwalkers use the large parking area on the west side of the A82, at map ref 344292, beside part of the old road. It is then 400 yards to reach the tr
ack leading to Auchtertyre. However, there is now a sizeable parking area for walkers down the Auchtertyre road itself, just before the farm.
The direct approach to Kirkton Farm, however, is from a lay-by on the A82 at map ref 355282 by the road leading to the farm. The lay-by is on the south side of the busy A82 so pay great attention to speeding traffic before crossing.
The farm road, joined by the West Highland Way (WHW), bridges the deep waters of the Fillan, from where there are superb views of Ben More and Stob Binnein. The farm and the close-by remains of St Fillan's Priory are soon reached by a gentle stroll.
At this stage leave the WHW and climb northwards on a track between two graveyards, one very old, one much newer, to reach the West Highland railway line. Use the gated railway crossing with due caution. There is also a footbridge to the east.
The track climbs a little higher, but the open hillside cannot be put off for long. The ascent of Ben Challum can then be split into four distinct stages. At first a steady climb NNE on grassy slopes is required, to a height of 500m. This is followed by a traverse north-east by a line of fence-posts over a stretch of undulating ground, all the while trying to minimise the ups and downs; a confusing place in thick mist and often wet underfoot.
The character of the hill then dramatically changes, with a steep climb from 700m, but by now on a well-worn path, most of the way alongside a fence, with the Munro summit gradually emerging to the left.
However, continue straight ahead and pass a minor cairn to reach a 997m subsidiary top. Many a hillwalker may have progressed no further on a misty day, believing he or she to be at the main summit, but it lies over 400 yards to the north beyond a dip.
The dip between subsidiary top and Munro may be modest at 45m, but this disguises what makes the summit ridge unique. Just a few yards north of the top is a peculiar small stony hollow, on the west side of which a sharp ridge – a rocky, sharp stretch needing care – dips to a narrow grassy col. The balmy weather of the start of our walk was no more and there was a lot of deep soft snow about when we were there, but ice axes were not needed on the traverse. It is then a short climb to the craggy summit. Keep well clear of the steeper eastern side.
Return the same way – on descent from the subsidiary top it may be advisable to take a bearing. The southern slopes of Ben Challum, an undulating area of navigational challenge, fan out towards the A82 and in poor visibility you could end up nearer Crianlarich.
FactfileMap Ordnance Survey map 50, Glen Orchy & Loch Etive
Distance 6 miles
Height 1,000m
Terrain Grassy slopes and undulating ground, steepening to summit ridge
Start point Lay-by on the A82 at map ref 355282
Time 5 to 6 hours
Nearest village Tyndrum
Nearest refreshment spot A good choice in Tyndrum
The full article contains 599 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
