The walk starts from Tyndrum Lower Station, cutting around a broad flank of Colan (590m) before descending into the unnamed glen through which the River Cononish flows. The route passes right up the glen, with dramatic views of Ben Lui straight ahead. The route here climbs only very gradually, passing by Cononish farm and the huge goldmine.

After crossing Allt an Rund, Ben Lui is ascended directly up the North East face, bearing to the right ridge once in Coire Gaothach. The summit (1130m) is directly above the corrie and the glen is a full 750m below. Descent is via the long south ridge, with an optional detour to climb Beinn Chleibh (one for the Munro baggers only, the detour is 1 hour and 4km only but very tedious.)

Route finding is very important here as this area is exceedingly remote. The route then descends sharply (and slightly to the right) into the head of Coire Laiogh, which is dead straight for 3km. The route stays to the left of the Allt Coire Laoigh after passing the initial difficulties, and then bears left to rejoin the outgoing route in Cononish's glen.

There is a slight variation at the end – instead of climbing the flank of Colan again, the route continues down the glen, past an exceptionally beautiful ancient Caledonian pine forest (Coille Coire Chuilc,) before picking up the West Higland Way, back to Tyndrum. This last variation is only slightly longer than the inward route and has considerably less climbing.

Scotland - Stirling - Munro

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.