Stuchd An Lochain, Glen Lyon

Description

This shapely Munro (Scottish mountain over 3000ft) lies in upper Glen Lyon close to wild and windswept Loch an Daimh. The area falls within the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area and has a real wilderness quality not found in many other parts of Perthshire. Stuchd an Lochain translates as 'peak of the small loch' and, true to its word, this mountain has a dramatic corrie and tiny glistening lochan known as Lochan nan Cat. The story goes that in 1590, the local laird, Mad Colin Campbell of Meggernie, climbed the hill and then chased a herd of goats over the corrie edge to their death in the lochan below.

The best start point for the walk is the Loch an Daimh dam, (GR 510464) beneath which there is plenty of space for car parking. From the dam take a westwards route, climbing steadily across the heather covered slopes to reach Creag an Fheadain and the grassy top that looks into Coire an Duich. The route continues west to the hill summit, a fantastic viewpoint for tiny Lochan nan Cat (213 metres below). Return by the same route or head down the steep north facing slope of Stuchd an Lochain to reach the loch shore.

A fine group of beautiful old Scots pine are visible on the hill side close to Loch an Daimh (loch of the stag) and the area is rich in wildlife. Look out for red deer moving gracefully across the hilly terrain or bellowing in the October rut. Loch an Daimh in its present artificial form was created by the dam which raised the old lochs of Giorra and Daimh. The mountainous terrain and higher than average rainfall of this region combine to create favourable conditions for the production of hydro-electric power and the loch is part of the Breadalbane Scheme. Angling is available on the loch.

Access Info

Loch an Daimh is located in upper Glen Lyon. From Fortingall follow the minor road that runs through the glen, then take the first right hand fork after the small village of Bridge of Balgie. The road passes Gallin and leads to the parking area beneath the massive dam. (GR 510464)

Additional Info

Glen Lyon is the longest enclosed glen in Scotland. It stretches for 32 miles and forms part of the 48,400 hectare Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as the "longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland". Wordsworth, Tennyson, Gladstone and Baden Powell also sang its praises. The River Lyon runs through the glen and is aptly described as a 'classic Highland river' tumbling through corries, gorges and riverine meadows.

The pools near Bridge of Balgie are accessible, with the added benefit of parking and a little tearoom nearby. The name Glenlionn was chosen in the fourteenth century and it is thought that this name was inspired by the speed and height of the river in spate. Refreshments are also available at Fortingall, Fearnan and Kenmore.

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