Inversnaid - Susan's final corbett

Beinn a’Choin, near Inversnaid

Susan’s Final Corbett – Saturday 1 June 2019

I’d selected this mountain about 3 years ago as my final corbett, chosen for its location near the Inversnaid Bunkhouse and their hot tub!

We gathered in the bunkhouse bar on Friday evening and finalised the route plan for the walk. The only thing not going to plan this weekend is the weather! The forecast was for rain all weekend, but there was a weather window on the Saturday, for a few hours before the rain starts again on Sunday morning!!

On Saturday morning we got chased off from the bunkhouse by the midges!! We had a short walk along the road to Garrison Farm. Behind the farm is an RSPB car park, we head through the gate and followed the main track which runs alongside the Snaid Burn. At the blue bird, we left the path and started up the rough ground toward Bealach a’Mheim. The upper slopes of Beinn a’Choin are craggy, so we negotiated the crags and after a few false summits, we reached the top. It felt amazing ducking under the arch way of walking poles to reach the cairn.

The champagne bottles were popped, photos taken, and Ruth produced a wonder cake. The only thing missing was a view!!!

Ruth's Cake

As we retraced our steps back to the bealach the clag started to clear. We crossed the boggy bealach to reach the grassy ridge leading to Stob an Fhainne. At last we got great views over Loch Lomond toward the Arrochar Alps and down to the dam at Loch Arklet.

The descent was steep and rough, at the pastures above Garrison Farm, we shed our waterproofs and by the time we reached the bunkhouse the sun was shining. The celebrations continued with tea and more cake. Then a glass or 2 of fizz in the hot tub.

As forecast the good weather was gone by the Sunday morning and the rain had started again. Most people headed off home. Ruth & Steve got soaked climbing Meall Nam Maigheach at the pass between Glen Lyon and Loch Tay. Jane, Bob & I, went for a soggy cycle along the banks of Loch Katrine.