Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chlèibh Walk Route Guide

Route Description for Ben Lui and Beinn a’Chlèibh Walk

Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chlèibh Walk
Ben Lui is known as one of the most impressive, elegant peaks in Scotland’s Southern Highlands and the Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chlèibh Walk invites hillwalkers to experience the majesty of this incredible mountain. Beyond the demanding ascents, this route up Ben Lui also includes a crossing of the River Lochy (do not attempt when in spate) and some highly boggy sections where the terrain is virtually pathless. Proper footwear, navigation skills, and careful planning are essential for anyone setting out to climb Ben Lui.

Revered by many, Ben Lui is often referred to as one of the finest peaks in the Southern Highlands. Standing at 1,130 m, Ben Lui is one of Scotland’s Munros, a collection of 282 mountains over 914 m named after Sir Hugh T Munro. Climbing Ben Lui and continuing on to Beinn a'Chlèibh makes for a rewarding double Munro day in a wild and remote setting.

Route Description: Climbing Ben Lui from Glen Lochy

From the Glen Lochy Forestry car park off the A85, take the path that leads from the car park towards the River Lochy. Continue riverside until you find a suitable place to cross. Do not attempt to cross the River Lochy when in spate, as this presents extreme danger. After crossing, avoid the railway line (crossing is illegal) and instead use the metal grid bridge over the Eas Dàimh.

Follow the path through the trees alongside the burn. After 500 m, you’ll reach the junction of Eas Dàimh and another burn. Cross the Eas Dàimh and follow the path up from the Fionn Choire. After crossing the Fionn Choire and passing through a steel gate in a deer fence, locate the uphill track and walk 300 m to reach a forest track. Turn left to reach a bridge over the Fionn Choire, then immediately right onto a steep climbing path.

After around 490 m, you leave the forest. Begin the ascent towards Ben Lui’s north ridge. The route to Ben Lui is fairly pathless in places, particularly higher up, so careful navigation is required. Upon reaching the ridge, turn right and climb towards the northwest summit of Ben Lui, marked by a cairn. Continue across a shallow dip to reach the higher southeastern summit of Ben Lui.

After enjoying the summit views from Ben Lui, retrace your steps down to the bealach before beginning the ascent of Beinn a'Chlèibh. A zig-zagging path leads to a plateau, where a cairn marks the 916m summit. From here, return to the bealach and descend steeply, following the Fionn Chorein burn back towards the forest and ultimately the River Lochy crossing.

Ben Lui: A Classic Southern Highlands Munro

Ben Lui dominates Glen Lochy with several well-defined ridges and a distinctive pyramidal shape when viewed from certain angles. The north ridge of Ben Lui provides one of the most scenic approaches, while the eastern corries add dramatic character to the mountain. Ben Lui is widely regarded as one of the finest Munros in Scotland due to its symmetry, setting, and expansive summit views.

From the summit of Ben Lui, hikers can enjoy views across the Southern Highlands, including distant peaks such as Ben Cruachan. On clear days, the position of Ben Lui provides an impressive panorama across multiple glens and ridges.

Beinn a'Chlèibh

Although overshadowed by Ben Lui, Beinn a'Chlèibh is a Munro in its own right. Standing at 916m, it offers excellent views back towards Ben Lui and across Glen Lochy. Including Beinn a'Chlèibh in your Ben Lui outing creates a satisfying two-Munro circuit.

Planning Your Ben Lui Walk

Is Ben Lui difficult?

Ben Lui is considered a strenuous hillwalk. The ascent is steep, the terrain can be boggy and pathless, and the River Lochy crossing requires careful judgment. Experience in Scottish hillwalking conditions is recommended.

When is the best time to climb Ben Lui?

Late spring through early autumn generally offers more stable conditions. In winter, Ben Lui becomes a serious mountaineering objective requiring ice axe, crampons, and winter navigation skills.

Is there a bridge over the River Lochy?

There is no formal footbridge over the main River Lochy at the usual starting point for Ben Lui. A safe crossing depends on water levels, and it should never be attempted when the river is high.

Are dogs suitable for Ben Lui?

Ben Lui can be challenging for dogs due to river crossings, boggy ground, and steep ascents. Only experienced hill dogs should attempt the full route.

What’s New at Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chlèibh Walk in 2026

There are no major changes to access or route details for 2026. Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chlèibh remain accessible from Glen Lochy, subject to normal Highland weather and river conditions. As always, river levels on the River Lochy should be carefully assessed before attempting the crossing.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the Highlands on foot, browse our self-guided walking holidays in Scotland for multi-day adventures across iconic mountain landscapes.