Beinn a Ghlo 2nd November 2025

Beinn a Ghlo is a mysterious stony hill with a complex series of ridges, summits and coires. This was the chosen destination for Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking club’s walks in early November. Twenty three club members and two guests travelled by bus to the Blair Atholl area.

However, as the weather forecast was uninspiring with the possibility of stormy weather on the summits, the group broke into two broad parties: those who wanted to try for the high tops and others who opted to stay at a lower level and explore Glen Tilt.

The A/B party reached the summit of Carn Liath where most decided to progress to the summit of another munro, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain. Although conditions were not as severe as suggested in the weather forecast they did not linger long on the top as it was wet and windy, with snow lying on the ground and poor visibility. Nonetheless, a good achievement especially for those who had not been on these summits.

The Club was approached by Betty’s niece, Val Smith, who asked if we would scatter some of Betty’s ashes on one of her favourite Munros, Beinn a’Ghlo. A group of Club members carried out this duty on Sunday 2nd November, and whilst it would have been good to show the family photographs of the view from the summit, the cold, wet and windy weather plus the hill mist meant that this was not possible, although the sun did break through momentarily after the ceremony.

Betty’s niece, Val, has memories of being “dragged up” Munros when she was young and part of the experience was always to have a bite of Ritters chocolate bars every time they had a breather, so Val had provided us with several chocolate bars, which those on the summit shared, and there was plenty left over for the other groups on the road home!

The other group walked in Glen Tilt passing Gilberts bridge to reach Marble lodge before returning to Blair Atholl by a series of paths. These walkers were treated to good views of Glen Tilt and a wonderful display of autumn colours and raging waterfalls. They did not escape heavy showers – a good test for those who were sporting new waterproof jackets- but they did find a sunny spot for lunch and extended their walk to take in the Whim viewpoint above Blair castle.

All groups reunited by the roaring log fire in the Atholl Arms where they enjoyed welcome refreshments.