Beinn Mhòr from Glen Massan

Beinn Mhòr from Glen Massan is a strenuous out-and-back to Cowal’s highest summit, at 741 metres. Plan for about 8 miles round trip, around 700 metres of climbing, and four to five and a half hours. The first few miles take you along the glen before the steep work begins, so this is a hill day with a long approach, not a quick summit dash. Come for the climb and wide views, not just a viewpoint.

Start at the small car park at the end of Glen Massan road, beyond Stonefield Farm. Follow the unsurfaced estate road through farmland and the glen for about 3 kilometres. Beyond a stone cottage, the track crosses the River Massan; take the signed walking path on the right after the bridge. It climbs steeply through conifer forest and along forest rides, with a couple of small stream crossings. A waterfall on Allt Coire Mheasan is visible below the track. This is rough ground, even before the open hill begins.

Above the trees, the route crosses open, often boggy grassland toward the ridge. The path gets fainter here, so keep your bearings and follow the ridge line to the trig point. The summit stays hidden until near the top, then opens to views over the Clyde estuary, islands and the Highlands, including Ben Cruachan on a clear day. The rocky ground makes a good foreground for a wide shot across the ridges. The descent retraces the same way, so keep track of the forest exit on your return.

Use the road-end car park beyond Stonefield Farm; the walk begins on the estate road and reaches the climbing path after roughly 3 kilometres. The small parking area is the start used for this route. The upland is used for hill grazing, so keep dogs under control throughout. The steep, rough ascent and wet upper ground make this a poor fit if you want a gentle hill stroll.