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Ben Laoigh (the name is sometimes anglicised to Ben Lui) is one of the finest peaks of te southern highlands of Scotland. It has a classic mountain shape, with five well-defined ridges radiating out from the summit. Four corries lie between the ridges; the most impressive is probably Coire Gaothach which lies on the northeast side of the mountain.
Ben Lui is the highest and most famous of a group of four Munros that lie south of Glen Lochy, and about 10 km north of the top end of Loch Lomond. The other three peaks in the group are Beinn aCleibh, Beinn Oss and Beinn Dubhcraig.
The simplest and shortest ascent of Ben Laoigh may be made from Glen Lochy, near the point where the burn of Eas Daimh flows into the Lochy. A path leads up through an area of forestry and then onto the northwest ridge, reaching the summit in just over 3 km. Descent may be varied by visiting Beinn aCleibh, which lies 2 km to the south west.
The above route, however, does not do justice to Ben Laoigh; by coming in from the east one may better appreciate the shape of the mountain, particularly Coire Gaothach. One may either start from Tyndrum Lower station or Dalrigh in Strath Fillian; tracks from both starting points merge, and follow Glen Cononish to the foot of Ben Laoigh. From here the route follows the northern ridge of the mountain, Stob Garbh, to the summit, the distance being about 9 km.
By descending via the south east ridge the walker may elect to include Ben Oss (and possible Beinn Dubhcraig) in the route before returning to the start. If transport can be arranged a reasonable fit hillwalker can traverse all four Munros of the Ben Laiogh group in a day.
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