This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
1188 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
5 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
14.78 km
The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
Moderate climb on easy slopes but with unbridged rivers to cross.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Roy Bridge
From Roy Bridge (A86) travel E 11km to start of track through forest at Roughburn.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 1,188 metres. Allow 5 hours to complete this 14.78 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Start from road near Roughburn on A86 road
NN37728135
Distance
Altitude 266 m
1
Follow track NW to junction
NN37148213
Distance 1.29 km
Altitude 342 m
2
Continue W on path to reach the extents of the forest
NN36418218
Distance 0.75 km
Altitude 310 m
3
Follow path NNW to reach junction
NN36298256
Distance 0.53 km
Altitude 330 m
4
Follow path N by Allt a' Chaorainn
NN36488353
Distance 0.88 km
Altitude 420 m
5
Ascend NW
NN35798470
Distance 1.38 km
Altitude 690 m
6
Continue N on gentle slopes to summit of Beinn Teallach
NN36158596
Distance 1.30 km
Altitude 915 m
7
Descend NE on east ridge of Coire Dubh Sguadaig to bealach
NN37058684
Distance 1.36 km
Altitude 613 m
8
Ascend ESE to gain N ridge
NN38148642
Distance 1.18 km
Altitude 944 m
9
Continue SSE to north top (1044m) of Beinn Chaorainn
NN38408574
Distance 0.66 km
Altitude 1044 m
10
Head SSW on ridge to avoid corrie
NN38338539
Distance 0.34 km
Altitude 980 m
11
Continue SSE on ridge to summit of Beinn Chaorainn
NN38618508
Distance 0.42 km
Altitude 1052 m
12
Head SSW on ridge to avoid corrie
NN38548479
Distance 0.29 km
Altitude 1018 m
13
Continue SSE to south top (1049m)
NN38638449
Distance 0.32 km
Altitude 1049 m
14
Descend SW to Meall Clachaig
NN36838272
Distance 2.52 km
Altitude 560 m
15
Follow ascent path back down to the start
NN37148213
Distance 0.29 km
Altitude 342 m
16
Follow track through forest back to the start
NN37728135
Distance 1.29 km
Altitude 266 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 6 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
Graham Scott
on 09 Aug 2008:
Did this route in reverse on 08/08/08. A dry, hot, sunny day. Beinn a' Chaorainn ascent straight forward - but watch out for very boggy ground in firebreak in forest. Ascended Beinn Teallach from stone shelter at bealach through Tom Mor crags. Great descent through short heather and the river crossing was simple in the dry. Fantastic views, especially to the south!
Written by
Ian Munro
on 31 Jul 2005:
We did the route in reverse, which I think led to slightly less of a slog up from the beallach between the hills. We were lucky enough to enjoy a hot clear day, with views as far west as the Cuillins on Skye. It had been dry for some time, so we were able to cross the Allt Chaorainn easily. 8 hours is about right, although we added one hour just sitting on top gazing at the views.
Written by
John Walker
on 13 Dec 2004:
Having done Chaorainn with a chap who's knees gave up, I came back with my 9yr old son on Dec.11th to only do Beinn Teallach. A very tedious bog trot really, but with excellent views to compensate. I strongly recommend the Roughburn path, not shown on the O.S., as either the ascent, descent or both, rather than the fire road. It is exquisitely pretty.
Written by
Paul Richardson
on 10 Mar 2003:
We did the route in reverse (anticlockwise) with snow from about 800m upwards. March 8th 2003. None of the slopes steep enough to require crampons or even axe, though we were happy to have them with us. Superb cornices all along the summit of Chaorainn, but it is a very broad place and they are easy to avoid in good visibility. The ridge up to Teallach from the col is pleasantly rocky and knolly - so though the hill hasn't the form of Chaorainn, the ascent is less of a long, uniform slog. Allt Chaorainn is flat and well braided in the lower glen, so no problems crossing unless after a storm.
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
