Introduction

Late March, not such a glorious day but I needed to keep up my record of at least one Munro a month in 2002. We chose Beinn Mhanach, which I would describe as a 'Tick' hill. It's on the list so it has to be climbed, but it doesn't matter if you don't get a view because there are plenty more picturesque hills around it. The weather deteriorated during the walk and the summit was in cloud so we chose not to visit the top Beinn a Chuirn (923m).

Bear in mind that this walk involves several river crossings which can be difficult when the river is in full spate. We avoided a couple of them by crossing Allt Kinglass by the bridge at GR 327357 and followed the North bank of the river until we met the track that follows the South bank (that is recommended by most guides) near the plantation at GR 341374.

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Route

• The start point for this walk is the access road to Auch farm. Do not park in the lane as it obstructs farm access.
  
  
• There is roadside parking for at least 6 cars alongside the southbound A82, maybe more if you're not fussed about the sump on your car.
  
  
• Follow the access road to the farm initially SE, swinging NE as it passes the farm.
  
  
• At the second bridge GR 327357, decide if you want to follow the North or South bank of Allt Kinglass. Follow the river under the railway viaduct and up Auch Gleann until both routes converge at GR341374

• Follow the track NE past Ais-an t-Sidhean, crossing the river in several places until the path splits GR 358396, then follow the path E along Allt a Chuirn until you cross the bridge alongside the ravine and man-made flume at Srath Taraban GR 368397 some 7 km into the walk.

• Leave the track and head N beginning a steep 500m ascent to the col between Beinn a' Chuirn and Beinn Mhanach roughly following the line of the boundary fence.
  
  
• At the col (890m) GR 366412 or maybe just before it head E crossing the fence and ascend the gentler slope to the summit of Beinn Mhanach (953m) GR 373412.

• On leaving the summit in cloud be sure to take a Westerly compass bearing as the summit is very disorienting.

• We descended by retracing our steps apart from the following the South bank of Allt Kinglass under the viaduct.

• Beware of the last pull up to the car from Auch farm, it's a bit of a 'stinker'! (Ed. Apologies to the author... but it is a family site!)