Ben Ghuilean
If you have a couple of hours to spare, climb Ben Ghuilean in Campbeltown and see magnificent views!
Ben Ghuilean
Sometimes you might have a couple of hours and want to do something to pass the time. The Beinn Ghuilean circuit, Campbeltown, is a great way to do this. It’s not very strenuous, and the terrain is straightforward, even for me! What I did find confusing was the signage, but then again, I see lots of things as complicated. You can also find the trails marked on the Campbeltown Guide App.
Ben Ghuilean via Tomaig Road
The route we took had the trail entrance at the head of Tomaig Road, but it’s less disruptive to residents and a preferred option if you park in town. As we were on holiday in Carradale then, I dutifully parked the car near Aqualibrium and set out with the kids up Tomaig Road past the Creamery.
What’s the walk like?
The walk is effortless going. There are fantastic views as you progress through the route. Key points are the cattle gate at the farm and the signposted start of the trails further on with fabulous views of Crosshill Loch to the left. Crosshill Loch is the water source for some local distilleries!
Ben Ghuilean via the Kilkerran Cemetery
There’s another route we recently took now that we know the area better and it’s fantastic. Go to through the cemetery and you’ll see a trail heading toward the Ben. Also, there’s an app called Trailforks that has the routes planned out!
“Beinn Ghuilean has multiple spellings having suffered anglicisation when the Ordnance Survey maps were drawn up. Translated from Gaelic, it means “Hill of Shoulders”… gualainn being a shoulder!”
Bench with a view
Once you reach the seat at the top, you have gorgeous views over Campbeltown and can take a leisurely walk down to the right. It’s a great little walk, not too strenuous at all and has an excellent reward for your eyes at the end. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the east and western edges of Kintyre!
“The Forestry Commission is said to be investing in local walks in and around the Ben Ghuilean area soon which is great news for signage buffs and everyone else!”
