Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dòthaidh – Southern Highlands

An instantly recognisable conical mass on the road between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy, Beinn Dorain is a sight that has greeted many adventurous souls on their way to the West Highlands. Few will have seen this impressive peak and not wanted to see what it’s like up there. The good news for Munro baggers is that it can be linked with neighbouring Beinn an Dòthaidh to complete a fine outing from Bridge of Orchy.

A path rises up the hillside directly from Bridge of Orchy’s train station, following the tumbling Alt Coire an Dothaidh to a gap in the impressive, craggy headwall of the classically bowl-shaped corrie. Once at the bealach, it’s up to you which Munro you tackle first. For Beinn Dorain, ascend slabby ground before things widen out onto a plateau for a time.

Venture onto the left path at the fork and continue along the ridge to the interestingly named Carn Sasunnaich – a sassenach is a derogatory term for an English person. Some have made the mistake of thinking the cairn here is Beinn Dorain’s main summit and Carn Sasunnaich’s name is thought to be a dig at the navigational competence of those who live south of Hadrian’s Wall. The true summit of Beinn Dorain is a little further on.

With glorious views of the Southern Highlands, it’s easy to see why the peak was immortalised in Duncan Bàn MacIntyre’s ‘Moladh Beinn Dòbhrainn’ (In Praise of Beinn Dorain) poem. After drinking it all in, return to the main bealach and ascend across Beinn an Dòthaidh’s steep southern slopes to boggy ground beyond.

An astonishing vista of Rannoch Moor awaits from the summit and many venture on to the west top for the best view. Once again, return to the bealach and descend back to Bridge of Orchy the way you came.