Come & Try - Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnain

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Another weekend - another hike!

This one sees us going to the Arrochar Alps.

Transport

Since Arrochar is easily accessible via public transport (CityLink busses), we are taking this option.

 

Busses:
Outward Journey: 8.30am from Buchanan Bus Station with Service 976
Return Journey: 17.24pm from Arrochar with Service 926
Meet: 8.15am - Main hall of Buchanan Bus Station to check gear

 

 

Make sure you buy your tickets for these journeys as soon as possible, because they tend to sell out a good bit before the day!
Also, setting up an account with CityLink allows you to access Student prices, which usually save you around 30% without any additional work!

 

 

The Route

We will be offering two slightly differing walks on this trip:

 

Option 1

 

The partial loop:
On this route we stay lower in the glen and aim straight for the summit of Beinn Ime, bypassing the summit of Beinn Narnain. This hike is similar in length to option 2 (~13.5km/8.5mi) but with roughly 1000m of ascent and a much gentler slope it is suited for anyone who wants to try hillwalking in the Scottish Highlands.
While the terrain is easy enough to not require any special skills, good fitness is absolutely necessary! Additionally, you do need to wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots to protect your ankles and because they offer more warmth than trainers. It is going to be cold! See below for contact details if you have questions about the suitability of your footwear.
Depending on conditions, we might have to turn around before we reach the summit if crampons were to become necessary to stay safe!

Important: Please make sure you have the gear specified below. 

 

Option 2

 

The full loop (club members only):
This one goes to the summit of Beinn Ime via Beinn Narnain. It is a 13.5km/8.5mi hike with over 1300m of ascent, so very good fitness and some hillwalking experience is necessary. Beinn Narnain also involves some very easy scrambling. Because of this, only those who have had training in how to use crampons and ice axe and feel comfortable with the distance and some lose ground can choose this option. If we do not know you yet, we will contact you to establish that you do have the necessary knowledge.

Important: Only book a ticket for this option if you have training with crampons and ice axe. We reserve the right to put people who do not have the necessary training into Group 1

 

Necessary Gear

This equipment is essential for a safe and fun day out in the Highlands!

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Walking boots
• Gloves (ideally multiple pairs) - ski gloves with liner gloves are ideal, mittens are great if you get cold hands quickly
• Warm hat
• Walking trousers (we will not take you up the mountain if you wear denim!). These should be made of a synthetic material, softshell-pants are ideal
• Warm layers - temperatures on the summit can be as cold as -15°C with wind-chill, so prepare for this
• Backpack
• At least 2l of water, warm drinks in a thermos are always a good idea
• Packed Lunch
• Snacks

Additionally, if you want to opt for Option 2:

• Crampons (can be borrowed from the club)
• Ice axe (can be borrowed from the club)
• Mountaineering Boots (at least B1 rated). Tiso rents these out if you do not have your own pair

 

If you have any questions, email us (mountaineeringclub@gcustudents.co.uk) or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.