Loch Ossian - 21-23 August 2026
On the weekend of 21-23 August 2026, the Inverness Mountaineering Club converged on Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, reachable only by foot, bicycle or train to Corrour. While most opted to travel from Tulloch, bicycle spaces on the train and a later arrival was possible from Rannoch Station to the South. Charlotte and Lucas took the most adventurous route, cycling in from Laggan dam, and arriving along a rough track after dark.
On Friday Greg was able to able to climb Beinn na Lap after an early arrival, and then kindly made all the arrangements with the warden. Fortunately for them, Steve and Hugh were blessed with fine enough weather to travel to St Kilda instead of Loch Ossian, their back-up choice - they were missed. Lively chatter greeted the later arrivals, with most in bed early and planning to make the best of the conditions on Saturday.
Focus of many on Saturday were the two other Munros accessible directly from the hostel – Sgor Gaibhre and Carn Dearg – with Lorna, Megan and Agnes setting off promptly. Greg followed later, aiming for a rendevous on Sgor Gaibhre. Martin had proposed a linear walk from Rannoch back to Loch Ossian, getting the train from Corrour first and then linking Beinn Pharlagain and the two Munros on a bagging circuit. Mel (acting as chauffeur), Irene, Dan, Emma, Charlotte and Lucas joined Martin on the train before shuttling 2.5km to the start of the Road to the Isles. Mel climbed the Marilyn of Sgor Smurr before visiting the Rannoch tearoom and arriving back at the hostel half an hour before the linear walkers, due to the train times!
Everyone really appreciated the location of Loch Ossian, and the ability to walk from the door. The weather helped the adventures, but everyone left with satisfaction at their weekend’s activities. Thanks to all for their contributions to a lovely weekend.
Taking part: Agnes, Charlotte, Dan, Emma, Gill, Greg, Irene, Katy, Lucas, Martin, Mel, Michael, Robin; and prospective members Lorna, Megan and Ashleigh.
Words and photos: Martin
The larger group walked into Beinn Pharlagain, negotiated a river crossing, and rough ground to the triple-topped Corbett, enjoying views from Schiehallion in the East to Ben Nevis in the West, and across Rannoch Moor to Glen Etive. Blaeberrys were looking plump, but were still a bit sharp. Once on the summit a cold N wind was evident, despite it being August, and thick jackets, gloves and hats came out for first lunch. Easier underfoot as they approached Sgor Gaibhre, the people multiplied and the views changed. Greg had already gone onwards after waiting for twenty minutes, and spying the group in the distance beat headed onwards. Once on a path, Carn Dearg was reached smoothly, with the hostel in sight. A rough descent to the track and they reached the hostel by 4:30, tired but content.
Katy walked down to Loch Trieg and climbed Creag Ghuanach. Robin and Gill, separately, ascended Leum Uilleum above Corrour station, exploring the tops and visiting the Corrour Station restaurant. Michael ascended Beinn na Lap during the day too. Unfortunately Ashleigh had to go home.
After catching up on the day’s activities, plans were made for Sunday. For most this included Leum Uilleum or Beinn na Lap prior to a lunchtime or mid afternoon train back to cars. Emma discovered there was a one-hour around Loch Ossian challenge, which she duly attempted in the morning prior to climbing a mountain – which was the warm up/down? Charlotte and Lucas
Martin and Mel had set their sights on a pair of Grahams at the head of Loch Treig – Beinn na Cloiche and Creag Ghuanach – accessible by bicycle, but with a train and restaurant booking to catch.. A long-distance drovers track through to Loch Chiarain took them towards Beinn na Cloiche, where deer tracks eased the ascent to a lovely viewpoint into the Grey Corries and Mamores. An increasingly heathery descent down to Staoineag bothy and stepping stones over Abhainn Rath was negotiated, at which point the wind died… A 50 minutes ascent of Creag Ghuanach was accompanied by clouds of midges, preventing any pauses, and taking away any enjoyment of the location. Thankfully a wind started for the descent and walk back to the bicycles. A 9h outing, including 16km walk and two Grahams, meant they got dinner and caught the train back to Rannoch.
