Ben Tee (Jan 2014)

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.





Distance 9.3km (5¾ miles)
Total ascent 900m
Time 4½ hours
Start / Finish NN277958
Nearest town Invergarry
Terrain small paths in places but much of the terrain is rough and boggy with some pathless sections, though never exposed; good navigation required in poor conditions. 
Accommodation Invergarry Hotel (01809) 501206 www.invergarryhotel.co.uk; hostel accommodation at either Invergarry Lodge (01809) 501412 www.invergarrylodge.co.uk or the Great Glen Hostel (01809) 501430 www.greatglenhostel.com; camping at www.faichemardcaravancamping.co.uk (01809) 501314 
Public transport The regular Fort William Inverness bus drops you at Laggan Locks, just over 1km from the start  www.citylink.co.uk
Tourist info Fort Augustus (01320) 366779
Best pub Invergarry Hotel for its log fires and cooking 

It’s time for tea; well, Tee actually, or Ben Tee to be even more precise. This unassuming Corbett sits proud, in all senses of the word, between Loch Garry to the north and Loch Lochy to the south with all of the Great Glen laid out before it. With this prominent position earning Ben Tee a deserved reputation for having one of the best viewpoints around, it’s well worth taking a Tee Break… Okay, that’s probably enough puns; but this short, straightforward route does make for a lovely day out with stunning views if it’s clear. 

Starting at Kilfinnan near Laggan Locks, you can visit the remains of the ancient Kilfinnan Burial Ground; however the ruins of the church, which burnt down in 1460, are now submerged beneath Loch Lochy. after the building of the Caledonian Canal raised the water level in the loch by 10 feet. The route goes from here up above the wooded gorge of the Kilfinnan Burn. You then strike out across moorland towards the shoulder of Ben Tee, with some of the paths walked here having once been funeral tracks used to bring the dead from Glen Garry to the burial ground.

Once on the shoulder you begin to see why Ben Tee, at 901m just short of Munro status, gets its reputation for views. It may mean ‘fairy hill’, but with a view as far as the dark waters of Loch Ness it’s probably monsters you should be looking out for.And, as it’s not a long route, you can be back in time to, ahem, take afternoon tea…

NN277958 The route starts from the singletrack road from Laggan Bridge to Kilfinnan. Park off to the right of the road just before it crosses the Kilfinnan Burn. From here ignore the clearer path up the side of the burn, instead taking a zigzagging path up the small hill directly behind the car parking spot. Climb this with the burn below you to the left.

NN275960 The path levels out here at 150m, at which point you leave the burn to head north onto a good path that takes you diagonally towards the corner of a small plantation. Where the path dips into a small gully, take a smaller path off to the left.  

NN276963 This small path leads you up to the top of a rise and then climbs gradually north-west, again above the Kilfinnan Burn, bringing you to a locked gate and a somewhat rickety stile over a fence. Here there are lovely views down into the gorge.
NN271967 Cross the stile carefully and continue along the small path now heading west. The path stays above the burn for a short while before heading north-west again towards the east shoulder of Ben Tee. 

NN262969 Here the path passes a small cairn then shortly 
after peters out, leaving you to find your way across boggy but level ground to the shoulder. This is straightforward enough, if slightly rough going. Once on the shoulder climb to gain its top and then follow it west-south-west, the terrain becoming easier 
as you gain height, heading directly for the summit. A short, steeper climb brings you to a false top but the real rockier summit is only a short distance on.
NN240971The small, rocky summit affords great views down the length of the Great Glen as well as north over Loch Garry to the Kintail hills beyond. Return via the same route.