Ben Challum might be a boggy slog and an undistinguished hill from the roadside as you pass by Crainlarich, but with some of the best views of the incredible south eastern Highlands, including the mighty Ben More and Ben Lui and with two lovely summits, don’t let anyone tell you Beinn Challuim is a boring hill!
Note – we climbed Ben Challum in winter – we have all the gear for this, plus winter hill experience. Please read my guide to hillwalking in Scotland before you attempt a Munro in Scotland, and Walkhighland’s winter skills page.
How to climb Ben Challum/Beinn Challuim
The walk up Ben Challum/Beinn Challuim starts at Kirkton Farm. There is roadside parking on the A82, not far past the Kirkton Farm turning. Cross the road with care. Kirkton Farm is owned by SRUC (a rural college) and the route up Bein Challum starts on the West Highland Way.
Follow the path down to the farm, cross the bridge and climb up the hill road past the farm, passing a graveyard and crossing over the railway until you reach a deer fence with a tall stile.
The path starts to become very steep and boggy at this point and follows a fence line all the way up to the first of Ben Challum’s two summits. You may have to cross over the fence a few times to safely get past the bogs.
Eventually you reach the first of the two summits, where there are some fantastic views of the surrounding hills – Ben More and Ben Lui are particularly prominent from here. Follow the ridge along to the second summit for even more fabulous views. Return is the same way.
Ben Challum route maps
- OS – You will need Explorer 377 – Loch Etive*
- Walkhighlands – Ben Challum
How long does it take to climb Ben Challum/Beinn Challuim?
With a reasonable level of fitness, the walk up this Munro will take around 6 hours from the roadside.
Best time to climb Ben Challum?
Scotland’s weather is best in May and September. Don’t attempt climbing Ben Challum like us in winter unless you have winter gear and experience. For weather forecasts, I recommend you check out:
For those experienced in winter conditions, and with winter gear (ice axe, crampons and knowledge of how to use them) Ben Challum is a great winter hill.
How hard is it to climb Ben Challum?
Don’t climb Ben Challum up expecting a wee trip up Arthur’s Seat. You will need hill walking gear and be prepared for the weather to change in a heartbeat – mist, fog and rain can sweep in quickly. If you haven’t hill walked before, have a look at my beginners guide to hillwalking in Scotland – and make sure you have means of navigation in the mist and fog!
How to get to Ben Challum
Ben Challum is on the eastern side of the A82 between Crainlarich and Bridge of Orchy. Parking for Ben Challum is a layby on the A82 just past Kirkton Farm.
Love, from Scotland x
More iconic mountains in Scotland to climb
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