Carn na Nathrach, from Glen Hurich

Carn na Nathrach lies hidden from most views amongst a group of higher peaks. It is a fine viewpoint, however, and the ascent along its long and rough ridge makes an enjoyable, surprisingly strenuous outing.

TERRAIN

Track for approach, then rough hillwalking. There is a faint path of sorts but the lower sections are boggy, and all the ridge is rough.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None to start.

START

Parking at NM815673. 

DEER STALKING INFORMATION

Land to west and north of summit (including Glen Hurich and Gleann an Dubh Choirein approaches) managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. No stalking issues.

Walk Description

STAGE 1

The walk begins where a track branches off the minor road to Polloch at Kinlochan; there is no parking here, and it is best to leave cars a short distance further west along the road. Head down the track, passing some houses and crossing the bridge over the River Hurich. Turn right on the far side, following the forestry track up the glen to the lonely house of Glenhurich.

STAGE 2

After the house bear right on the main track to cross a bridge over the River Hurich. On the far side turn left, soon crossing another bridge over the Allt Coire na Craoibhe. Beyond this the track forks; take the right branch, which climbs up through the trees and soon swings back sharp right. At the high point of the track - almost opposite a turning area - a tiny cairn marks the start of an indistinct path which turns left and climbs through the trees. The path looks uninviting and is overgrown and boggy, but not quite as bad as it first appears. It soon emerges from the trees onto a wet ridge.

STAGE 3

This lower part of the ridge gives soggy going, though the faint path remains. The consolation for the toil is the ever improving view back, with Beinn Resipol looking magnificent.

STAGE 4

The ridge is long and the going is rough and time-consuming, with many ups and downs. By the time 500m height has been reached the ground has become drier underfoot. At around 600m a difficult barrier is reached - a six foot deer fence fairly recently renewed across the ridge.

STAGE 5

Once this obstacle has been negotiated, continue over more lumps into another dip. From here a craggy bluff appears to necessitate a scramble, but it can be bypassed by following a deer path to the right and then ridge regained easily further on. Finally, the tiny summit cairn is reached - a fine viewpoint for the wild peaks of Ardgour all around, with distant Ben Nevisalso prominent.

STAGE 6

The return route is to retrace your steps all the way back down the ridge.