Ben Dorain from Bridge of Orchy
| Distance Height Start / Parking Approximate time Severity |
 5.5 miles 3523 ft Bridge of Orchy Station GR NN300397. . 4-6 hours
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IntroductionThis is a good afternoon's walk but is about an hours drive from most parts of the Trossachs. The walk up gives some spectaculat views of waterfalls and crags on the adjascent hill 'Beinn a Dothaidh' but the best part is the comparatively effortless walk from the bealach between the two hills to the summit of Ben Dorain. Views from the summit are excellent with unusual aspect to the west end of Loch Lyon. |
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Park ar Bridge of
Orchy railway station and walk under the track then veer left to head for the
communications tower which you walk past beside the burn.
Follow the burn using some mucky tracks (eroded peat) up to the corrie where the burn
tumbles down through a bit of a boulder field. 
Unfortunately
the track follows the burn which makes life difficult in wet weather. Wet weather brings
reward in the form of an impressive waterfall on Bein an Dothaidh.
On reaching the bealach at the top of the corrie, bear right and follow the track
heading for the highest point you can see to the south at all times. There are several
false summits, one with a cairn, but the true summit (GR NN325379) is obvious when
reached.
Take care here as the slopes to the south and west are sheer.
Return by the same route.
Click here for the 360 view from the summit (350K)
Beinn a Dothaidh
If including Beinn a Dothaidh, return to
the bealach (NN325399) and look for a track heading just north of east. After a hundred
metres or so the track veers to north east and roughly follows the burn round to north. As
this track becomes very wet and boggy, look for a convenient point when the summit to your
right comes into sight and head directly to the summit. There are 2 summits, the east
summit at NN332409 being the highest point, and the west summit at NN327409 a few feet
lower, but in my opinion having the better views over to Bienn Achaladair to the
northeast, and Stob Ghabhar and 'White Corries' to the northwest.
The photo to the right shows Ben Dorain and Bein a Dothaidh from the north side viewed from Bien Achaladair.
Return to the bealach from the west summit by taking a line almost due south and keeping the cliffs in sight to the west of you. As you near the bealach avoid some crags in the direct line. Descend to Bridge of Orchy by the ascent route.
Warning - in misty weather the path is hard to follow in places as it passes over exposed rock slabs. Take care not to stray to the edge to the west side of the path.
An easy walk in good weather but increasingly hard to
navigate and walk in poorer weather.
Bald rock slabs make this a considerably harder proposition when icy.