Beinn an Lochain: A Quiet Pleasure

The very first dry, sunny day of April, to introduce the walk of the month, tempted us eagerly toward Beinn an Lochain, the striking Corbett rising to 907.7m above Glen Croe. With more than a spring in our step, we set off for the layby on the A83 (Grid Ref NN234088) to begin our ascent — another brilliant adventure for Argyll Walks.

The route starts boggy but quickly transforms into a steep, exhilarating ridge — a rocky spine that wouldn’t look out of place in the Italian Alps. Despite its dramatic outline, the scrambling is only mild, making this hill ideal for walkers who enjoy a challenge without venturing into technical territory.

Not long into the climb, I nearly stepped on a lizard as it darted hurriedly back into its burrow — a lively reminder that spring is well underway. As we gained height, Loch Restil shimmered brilliantly below us, catching the sunlight like polished glass.

We climbed steadily, adjusting layers, sipping water, and snapping photographs of the ever‑expanding panorama. After 1 hour 50 minutes, we reached the summit rock at NN218079, greeted by complete solitude. Not a single person in sight — just us, the breeze, and jaw‑dropping views stretching toward Ben Nevis, Mull, and the unmistakable Paps of Jura.

Beinn an Lochain sits proudly at the head of Glen Croe and forms part of the Arrochar Alps, with its parent peak, Ben Ime (1011m), towering nearby. This entire area lies within Argyll Forest Park, managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, and is part of the wider Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park — a region we love exploring at Argyll Walks.

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After a relaxing summit break — complete with soup, sandwiches, and a well‑earned biscuit — we began our descent carefully. Loose stones demanded attention, but with steady footing we made our way down safely, still buzzing from the views and the peacefulness of this quieter Corbett.

If you enjoy walking, light scrambling, and escaping the crowds that flock to the nearby Cobbler, Beinn an Lochain offers a grand day out with spectacular scenery and wonderfully peaceful company, as the walk of the month. It’s exactly the kind of quieter, rewarding route we love to feature on Argyll Walks.