Beinn Chaorach Glen Fruin

We parked at the Glen Fruin lower road, there is room for 3 or 4 cars across from the gate for the old access road to Auchengaich reservoir.

Two of them on the left the 3rd follow the road just can be seen

On the gate was a warning sign ‘Beware of the bulls’, note the plural. Looking around we spotted 2 off to the side and a third closer to the track. Upwards we went but thankfully apart from lifting their heads to look at us feeding was more important.

Proper start

Once over the road and at the reservoir track there is a signpost for the path to Glen Luss, more of that later. Another warning sign coos and calves, could see them nearer reservoir should not be in our way.

Looking back to start

We immediately climbed the hillside on the right, initially boggy as the coos had been down here to start. Fairly clear going but nettles and ferns are coming through along with more attractive marsh orchids. The Walkhighlands route suggests a NE approach but we just went straight up for most of it before heading NE and it was a steep little beggar. Plenty of stops to take in the views behind as more of Faslane emerges each stop. 
We almost went to the high point of Auchengaich hill (546m) before heading left via a very faint ATV track, across the now level ground, to the cairn at Beinn Tarsuinn (656m) for elevenses. 

Chaorach and A' Mhanaich 

The clouds were coming and going leaving us uncertain for rest of day. At one point even took a bearing of way ahead before the dense cloud enveloped us. Very warm at start but gilet on here to stay warm. Excellent views all around of the other Luss Grahams including our target.

Stay left of fence

A short descent and uphill section, following to the left of the fence and before long we were on the top of Beinn Chaorach 713m, (2.05 hours), the trig on the other side of the fence.

Poser

Initially our plan was to include A’ Mhanaich but that had to change.
The clouds had lifted so we had good viewing ahead.

New fencing on descent just about to drop off

Now we followed the fence and descended gently across ridge until it falls off the edge and goes down exceedingly steeply on these slippy grassy slopes. We stayed on the left of the fence, which has just been renewed, and the top of the posts were good handholds on the descent.
On the way down the route up A’ Mhanaich could be clearly seen, around 350m of ascent, and it looked like this new fence is going to be extended up this also. We could also see a faint track curving round to Glen Luss, the path?
We reached the bealach between Glen Fruin and Glen Luss at the stile but we were heading back to the car. Of the signposted path nothing could be found. 

Burn and reservoir where's the path?

We opted to follow the burn back to the reservoir which could be seen from time to time. The tussocky ankle twisting terrain would have made Dumfries and Galloway proud. After a prolonged wet spell this could be a very different boggy walk.

A' Mhanaich ridge

Still back to reservoir for another break spoiled by the rubbish left behind by people who had had a fire here recently.

Thankfully still eating

Back through the bulls who again were disinterested but large and handsome beasts they were.
Despite the change of plans and enjoyable walk.

Time: 4.10
Distance: 9.7k
Ascent: 650m