Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhchraig Walk

The Ben Oss and Beinn DubhChraig Walk presents an alluring challenge to reach two impressive summits and features an exciting route among some truly spellbinding scenery. Gorgeous woods of birch and pine pave the initial stage of the walk, and later on, you’ll enjoy walking alongside several pretty rivers and burns, even encountering a cascading waterfall where you can opt to cool off along the way. Despite the beauty of the trail, it is known to be a wet one, with some significant boggy sections on the lower approach. Once higher up, the trail dries out; however, the ridges feature some rocky undulating stretches peppered with some crags. When visibility is poor, the route can be difficult to navigate, so plan accordingly when taking on this walk.

Right from the start of the walk, just off the A82 at the turning for Dalrigh, you’ll spot Beinn Dubhchraig towering in the distance, just over the trees. Proceed along the tarmac road that leaves the car park, crossing the West Highlands before heading over a stone bridge. Spot the smaller track on the far side of the river and turn right into it, following it to cross over the railway on a bridge.

Look for the gate on the far side and pass through it, then continue the trail to cross the footbridge over the Allt Gleann Auchreoch, after which you’ll turn left, heading upstream. Arriving in the stunning woodlands of Coille Coire-Chulic, you’ll find yourself flanked by towering pines in a rich and fragrant forest area. As the track continues, you’ll be led along the north side of the Allt Coire Dubhchraig, passing by several waterfalls that make for a serene setting.

Pass through the broken fence, located beside an old defunct stile, then continue as the pines around you fade and are soon replaced with birch. A while longer, and you’ll depart the woods to enter open ground, crossing a small burn as you press onto the broad ridge. Once on the ridge, enjoy the clear path that leads southeast, setting you up for the triumphant, final climb to Beinn Dubhchraig. From the summit, revel in the views down over Loch Lomond and the scores of hills that sprawl in each direction.

Descend the ridge to the place where you first gained it and continue the path a short distance, bound southwest before passing to the left of several tiny lochans. Continue down towards the Bealach Buidhe, which overlooks Loch Oss. Spot the small cairn that marks the point where you’ll want to depart the path, following the undefined path that guides you up to the northeastern top of Ben Oss.

A final brief descent leads to a minor bealach from where you’ll make your final ascent to Ben Oss. Follow the ridge to the summit, which is marked by a cairn, and celebrate your arrival once you reach an impressive 3376ft! Ben Lui towers majestically in the distance, a well-earned reward following this challenging climb.

To complete the return journey, make your way over the northeast top back down to the bealach share with Beinn Dubhchraig. Ascend eastwards (do not descend north from here), retracing the same steps you made up the back towards Beinn Dubhchraig. From the ridge, just beyond the lochans, continue northeast to revisit the place where you first joined the ridge. From here, you’ll re-trace the same ascent route from earlier, only this time proceeding with your descent. Make your way through the woods to return to the parking area where the walk began.