Beinn Bhreac, Beinn a'Chaorainn & Beinn Mheadhoin
Maps 36, 403; 5th June 2009

Route: 1565m = 5140' ascent, 6.2 miles cycling, 17.3 miles walking. 10hrs

Route: This is a full day's walk over three Munros, culminating at the Munro top Stacan Dubha which, like its neighbour Carn Etchachan, has amazing views of Loch Avon and its surrounding cliffs. Stacan Dubha is a must-visit top of Beinn Mheadhoin.
The Corbett top Meall an Lundain (NO06199481) is optional and is easily by-passed by going from Glen Derry path straight to the bealach at NO05469590. This saves 100m of ascent.
The walk is easily shortened to include only Beinn Mheadhoin as in the next page, or to include only Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn as in the following page.
If taking the western path up Glen Derry, you can start off up the wheeled vehicle track but take care to go right at the rather indistinct fork at NO04149379 for otherwise you will continue onto a rather boggy ATV track one or two hundred yards to the west of the walkers' path. However, note also that the upper bridge over the Derry Burn at NO03979577 is officially closed. (Last checked in March 2019.) It is described as dangerous, apparently because of flood damage to the eastern pier (see CairngormWanderer).
The OS 1:25k map shows two enclosures without trees in Glen Derry. The surrounding deer fences have been removed and there are now mature scots pines there.
North of these plantations, there is a potentially difficult ford of the Glas Allt Mor at NO03599869 where a bridge is surely needed. Otherwise, be aware that weather conditions such as high winds can make it dangerous to ascend the exposed summit barn of Beinn Mheadhoin.
Grumble: Due to short-sighted but deliberate methods used in the path re-construction up Glen Derry with raised stones and deep culverts in order to deter mountain bikes, I recommend cycling not much further than Derry Lodge. In my experience mountain bikers have never been a problem to walkers here. Unfortunately, this bit of "progress" unfairly denies the less able as well as bikers from being able to access, experience and benefit fully from the National Park.
Weather: Frequent showers of hail/snow (in June!). Cloud at 3500', 1"-2" snow on ground on tops. Unfortunately no view from Beinn Mheadhoin nor any of its tops on this occasion – its top Stacan Dubha has one of the best views of Loch Avon & surrounding crags. The photos are mostly from August 2005.