Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ìme Walk

The Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ìme Walk is an excellent opportunity to check off to of Scotland’s Munros while enjoying an exhilarating climb in the Arrochar Alps. The rugged, steep terrain leading to both summits makes for a challenging hike, and proper footwear a willingness to break a sweat are a must. The trail on Beinn Narnain requires a fairly mild scramble and in sections is eroded, making this climb difficult, regardless of its inferior height to Beinn Ìme. If hillwalking in the winter, an ice-axe, crampons, and a high level of experience is recommended when tackling this route.

Beinn Ìme, with its height of 3317ft, is the highest peak in the Arroachar Alps, making this a particularly noteworthy hillwalk. The views of Ben Lomond, The Cobbler (Ben Arthur), and the surrounding rolling hills and beyond, make this an incredibly scenic adventure chalk-full with rewards.

From the Succoth car park, walk across the main road, picking up the marked trail that unfolds opposite the woods. The path itself is the main route to The Cobbler, and you’ll follow it until you reach a faint path beneath the undergrowth that heads right. As you head uphill, the path becomes more defined and you’ll continue to climb out of trees, passing several concrete based of an old hydro project. Arrive at a track and walk straight acoss it to continue on the rough path over a rocky step. Pause to enjoy some views down towards the lock and over Ben Lomond from this point.

Continue to climb on a path that wraps around the side of the hill, continuing straight on (disregard OS map which says turn left), before veering slightly right and continuing up the rugged terrain. Some minor scrambles may be necessary and you’ll traverse a boggy section here as you reach a viewpoint looking out over The Cobbler on your left.

The trail continues on a brief flat section before another uphill stretch to Cruach nam Miseag. A short descent then leads to the rock buttress, Spearhead. Follow the route on a small path that heads to the right of the buttress. Approaching the final stretch to the summit of Neinn Narnain, you’ll enjoy a nice clear path straight up to the trig point. Revel in the views of The Cobbler, the expansive hills, and you’re next conquest, Beinn Ìme!

Head north west from the summit, making your way across a stony plateau and picking up the path that heads downhill for the bealach. Remain vigilant of your footing in this section, as erosion and boggy terrain can make the descent particularly challenging. Continue your descent, soon spotting Beinn Ìme straight ahead, beckoning your onwards toward the second climb.

The trail to Beinn Ìme unfolds up a grassy broad slope on a solid path, with 400m marked ahead from the bealach. At 1011m, you’ll reach teh trig point, having conquered the Arrochar Alp’s highest mountain summit. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment and mentally, check Beinn Ìme off you’re hillwalking bucket-list as you prepare to descend.

Return to the bealach via the same 400m track that lead you to the summit. At the bealach, take a right to make your way down to the lower bealach, found between Beinn Narnain and The Cobbler. At the junction head left and continue the descent. Ignore the junction that veers right a little further on, instead continuing downhill to join the path of descent from The Cobbler. Savour a moment taking in the view of The Cobbler and its said likeness to a cobbler at his work bench, then continue the track to pass the Narnain boulders. The trail soon begins to trace the Allt a’ Bhalachain, requiring some steam crossings using the large stones available. You’ll soon pass a hydro dam on your right, before coming to a junction where you’ll retain a straight course on the main track which will lead you to descend into the trees. Once you reach a track by a mast transmitter, head left and then right once you spot a bench to pursue the zig-zagging trail down through the trees and towards the Loch. You’ll reach the main road shortly, and can cross back over to the car park where the walk began.