Walk Information
Route: Beinn Odhar (Corbett)
Distance: 7.6km (4.75miles)
Ascent: 686m
Time: 3½- 4 hrs
Terrain: Easy access via West Highland Way then open hillside & old mine path
Map/s: OS Landranger 50 (1:50 000) and OS Explorer 377 (1:25 000)
Start/Finish/Parking: Tyndrum
Grid reference: NN328304
Public Transport: Bus and Train
Toilets: Yes
Beinn Odhar, 'the dun-coloured mountain'.
Clinging to the edge of Argyll are several well-known Munros and Corbetts that share ridgelines, summits or slopes with surrounding counties. Amongst these is Beinn Odhar, its southern slopes lying firmly in the County of Stirling whilst its summit stands proudly in Argyll.
In fact, if approached from west, north or east you could keep your toes in Argyll all day. However, unless on a round of Corbetts (there are five here that make a fine challenge) it is easier to approach the Corbett via its gentler slopes from Tyndrum. This also gives the opportunity to explore the adit (access) and old lead mine on its higher slopes where the mineral vein continuation from Sron nan Colan (just west of Tyndrum) is exposed. The Beinn Odhar lead mining venture appears to have been a very short one but the views once the summit is reached are tremendous.
1. Leaving the car park cross the A82 and head left passing the Tyndrum Inn, The Green Welly Stop and cross the bridge.
2. Turn right immediately after crossing the bridge to join the West Highland Way (WHW) northwards, passing the KeyStore.
3. You will need to stay on the WHW for the next 1.25km as it slowly climbs out of Tyndrum with the A82 on your left and the Crom Allt(burn) on your right, until you reach the bridges over the burn (small river) and railway.
4. Cross the bridges and go through the gate at the north end. You will be heading up on to the open hillside to your right.
5. You now have a choice, either head straight up in a northeasterly direction picking your own route on the grassy slopes, or veer slightly right back to the Crom Allt to pick up a faint path. If you use the latter just ensure you head upwards at around NN334323. Either way you will tend to end up on sections of the old mining path as it zigs zags upwards by default due to the natural line of the slope.
6. Once you reach 600m (after approx. 1.3km depending on how direct your route was) the ground becomes stonier. The adit and mine are higher to your left (northwest) on the crest of the ridgeline whereas the faint path runs just under this so if you want to explore them it is worth scrabbling up the rocks to have a look. The bottom of the adit starts at around 650m.
7. Heading up from the adit and mine (or path) the route flattens out, passing a lochan and the county boundary to your left. Ahead the final ascent is best tackled by heading northeast then northwest to follow the hill’s natural line but there are no particular difficulties.
8. The summit views are fabulous and an excellent panorama of Beinn Dorain can be had from the steep northern slopes above Coire Luaidh.
9. It is easiest to return down the southwestern slopes you ascended but other possibilities could include some of the neighbouring Corbetts or a traverse down the steeper slopes to the south of Coire Thoin to make a circuit, especially on longer days in summer.
10. Back in Tyndrum it’s hard not to make a visit to the Real Food Café and it's rather convenient if you need to grab a takeaway too.
11. If you are short of time a layby can be used on the A82 at NN330315. With care you can walk the 300m north to join a short track that joins the WHW by the burn and railway bridges (see 4).
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Safety in the Outdoors
The described route and accompanying information are there to be used as a guide and do not replace the use of map and compass and the skills required to use them. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the route is accurate please be aware that track and path closures can happen at any time. All walks are undertaken at your own risk. Please continue to adhere to current guidelines as set out by the government, exercise responsibly and use appropriate clothing and equipment for your chosen outdoor activity. Inform a contact about your route/whereabouts and don’t forget your phone, snacks, drink, any medication/first aid supplies you may need and to check weather conditions. Most walks are dog friendly but please keep your dog under close control, especially around livestock and wildlife. Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
