Having kayaked part-way round Eilean Shona, it became obvious that Beinn a'Bhaillidh was a well-defended summit that would not yield easily to attack. Surrounded by dense, luxurious growth of rhododendron, bracken, brambles and tussocky grasses, the lower slopes looked nigh-on impregnable. However, after a bit of reconnaissance, we chanced upon a chink in the armour. Try this for a relatively effort-free ascent: start from a pleasant landing area at NM659738 and wander round a grassy track southwards. Walk just past a wee lochan, then take a track NW through the trees, which leads towards a cottage. Instead of turning left to the cottage, head on up the hill, where it is relatively easy to find a way through maturing conifers to a deer fence. Once over the deer fence, the route to the summit through heather, grass and rocks is straightforward. You'll be well rewarded on a clear day.
