Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn: Galmadale round

The finest walk on the Morvern peninsula, this classic horseshoe follows the ridges enclosing Glen Galmadale, including the two Corbetts, Fuar Bheinn and Creach Bheinn and the Graham Beinn na Cille. A good deal of ascent and descent it involved, making this a more strenuous outing than might be imagined.

TERRAIN

Rough ridgewalking on mostly grassy ridges. The route is pathless and the initial climb is steep and often impeded by vegetation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None.

START

Glengalmadale farm .

Walk Description

STAGE 1

There is a good sized area for parking just east of the bridge at Glengalmadale farm. From here begin the walk by crossing the bridge and following the road southwest. It is possible to ascend beside the plantation to reach the south ridge of Beinn na Cille - but this slope is extremely steep and tough going. Instead continue along the road - with views down over the picturesque church by the loch - until beside the telecoms building above Ceana Mor.

STAGE 2

From here head north towards Beinn na Cille - the route is very rough initially and overgrown with bracken in late summer, but still easier than the plantation route. Slowly the going improves and the undergrowth is thankfully left behind; there are stunning views looking back over Loch Linnhe. Continue past rocky outcrops to reach Beinn na Cille's summit - a Graham. There is a great outlook over the low lying but fertle Isle of Lismore; the keen eye can pick out Castle Stalker.

STAGE 3

There follows a fairly steep descent down to Bealach Coire Mhic Gugain, a substantial loss of height. Climb NNE up to the shoulder of Meall Corie Mhic Gugain, then continue towards Fuar Bheinn, at first across grassy slopes but becoming steeper and rockier as the summit draws near. From this, the first of the two Corbetts, the views are superb, now taking in Creach Bheinn, Garbh Bheinn and distant Sgurr Dhonuill inland as well as the spectacular sea view.

STAGE 4

Descend NW from Fuar Bheinn at first, to avoid steep rocky ground, until it becomes straightforward to aim for the wide boggy bealach of Cul Mhaim - another considerable loss of height. Continue across boggy ground to begin the more gradual ascent of Creach Bheinn's west ridge. The ridge becomes stony and gives good going, continuing up to the summit. This is the highest mountain in Morven and a fine viewpoint.

STAGE 5

Head briefly NW and then descend NE down to a sharp dip in the ridge, marked as camp' on OS maps. The substantial wall and remains here were a 'Colby Camp' - used by map-makers as part of the Ordnance Survey in the nineteenth century. Go up onto the rocky knoll beyond and continue for 400m until the ridge splits; take the right branch, which is more well defined as it descends steeply to a bealach. From here climb to the domed summit of Maol Odhar. Next head down over broadening grassy slopes, initially southeast but following the ridge as it curves SSW.

STAGE 6

A very short climb beyond a bealach leads up to Meall nan Each. Once again, the views over Loch Linnhe are simply fantastic, whilst Ben Nevis is well seen at the head of the loch. Continue along the bumpy ridge, passing over several knolls. Look out for wild goats in this area. Eventually rough grassy slopes lead down to reach the B8043 at the bend just east of the car park.

Stob Coire a' Chearcaill, from Loch Eil

Stob Coire a' Chearcaill is a familiar sight across Loch Linnhe from Fort William, but far fewer people actually climb it. This is the easiest route, making use of a track to avoid the boggiest terrain lower down. The views - as might be expected - are excellent.

TERRAIN

Hill track up to ridge, then short, rough pathless boggy section before easier going to the summit.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None to start.

START

Blaich, Loch Eil side.

DEER STALKING INFORMATION

Conaglen Estate - Stalking between mid-August and 20th October. No stalking on Sundays. Information signs are located at the parking areas at the entries to each glen.

If further information is required please email dmosgrove@broadlandproperties.co.uk or phone the Estate’s Head Keeper on 01855 841304 no later than 24-hours before planning to take access.

Walk Description

STAGE 1

Two tracks have a single wide junction on with the A861 road at NN047 771; the right hand one leads to industrial buildings, whilst the left is the start of the walk and has a stalking sign for East Loch Shiel deer management group. Park carefully near this junction, taking care not to obstruct entrances. Begin the walk by heading up the track; it soon forks, with the main track curving right to a new house - continue straight ahead here to the left of the barns. The track leads on through a gate and scattered woodland.

STAGE 2

A second gate leads to more open ground. When the track forks again, keep straight ahead. Looking back, the views across Loch Eil become more impressive as height is gained, with Gulvain soon dominating across the loch. Pass through a gate in a deer fence; Corpach now comes into view over to the left.

STAGE 3

The track leads up onto the very broad, boggy ridge. Leave the track just before it ends by heading to the right, passing a prominent cairn, and continuing across rough, wet ground. After another cairn the ridge becomes better defined and the going improves once more, with the summit of Stob Coire a' Chearchaill visible above crags in the distance. Continue along the ridge.

STAGE 4

After crossing a bump there is a slight dip before the final steeper climb up towards the summit. The trig point stands on a small plateau, but the massive cairn - slightly further back - is marginally higher. The views are superb, with the great bulk of Ben Nevis looking particularly impressive.

STAGE 5

The easiest return is to retrace your steps. It is possible from Ceann Caol to descend into Gleann Sron a'Chreagain and pick up a path once down in the glen, but the terrain between is soggy and a long road walk would be necessary to get back to the car; the track gives pleasanter going.

Beinn na h-Uamha

This rather neglected hill lies in very heart of Ardgour. Beinn na h-Uamha may only just scrape Corbett status, but it exhibits the great ruggedness characteristic of the area, with steep rocky slopes and grand views across Loch Linnhe and of nearby Sgurr Dhonuill and Garbh Bheinn.

TERRAIN

Approach walk along a rough landrover track. There is no bridge across the River Gour, and the crossing may be impossible in spate. The ascent itself is pathless, steep and rugged.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None to start.

START

Sallachan. 

DEER STALKING INFORMATION

Ardgour Estate - Stalking between mid-August and 20th October. No stalking on Sundays. Information signs are located at the parking areas at the entries to each glen.

If further information is required please email dmosgrove@broadlandproperties.co.uk or phone the Estate’s Head Keeper on 01855 841304 no later than 24-hours before planning to take access.

Walk Description

STAGE 1

The walk begins from Sallachan, around 4km south of Corran, where a minor horseshoe road branches off the main A861. There is space to park with care just to the north of the bridge over the River Gour - take care not to impede any entrances. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge and turning right onto a track on the far sign signed as a right of way to Strontian. Follow the track past a broken dam; soon it reaches Loch nan Ghabhar, with good views to your objective ahead. The rocky knoll across the loch is the site of an iron age fort.

STAGE 2

Beyond the loch the track continues, becoming rocky and waterlogged in places (though the water can be avoided to either side). The ruined cottage of Tigh Ghlinneghabhar is seen to the left. Continue up the glen, passing a well-built stone enclosure. At this point the track diverges further from the tree-lined river. After a further kilometre it nears the river again. Leave the track here, heading down across boggy ground to reach the bend in the river. The Gour is unbridged and care is needed to cross - the crossing can become dangerous or impossible when in spate.

STAGE 3

On the far bank head north across more boggy ground towards the base of Beinn na h-Uamha's southeast ridge. The climb comes in three distinct stages - the first rocky slope is best tackled by following a shallow grassy gully to the left of the obvious deeper gully filled with trees. Once established on the broad ridge, a series of rocky knolls lead on to the base of the steep rise of Stob an Uillt.

STAGE 4

This is best tackled by ascending to the right to avoid the crags, and then climbing steeply west to gain the top. From here the ridge continues upwards, passing several small lochans and giving great views across Loch Linnhe towards the Ballachulish bridge with the mountains of Glencoe beyond.

STAGE 5

The final ascent is less steep - mostly a long grind over grass, avoiding any rocks. There are false summits before the cairn marking the true highest point is reached. This is a magnificent viewpoint, with Sgorr Dhomhnuill - the highest mountain in Ardgour - well seen, though it is craggy Garbh bheinn that impresses most.

STAGE 6

Retrace your steps back down the flat shoulder. The return route to Glen Gour can be varied by descending south from the shoulder above the headwaters of the Allt Daraich, keeping to the west side of the burn. Lower down the Allt Daraich forms a ravine - keep to right of it to continue down more open slopes to the floor of the glen. Here aim south across the boggy ground to pick up a faint track which fords the River Gour by some trees at the confluence with the Allt Dubh Bealach nan Aingidh.

STAGE 7

On the far side the faint track leads up southwards to join the main track through the glen. Turn left along this to follow the rough and rocky track down Glen Gour, rejoining the outward route and continuing all the way back to the start.

Sgurr Dhomhnuill via Ariundle Oakwoods

Sgurr Dhomhnuill is the highest mountain in Ardgour; a steep-sided, conical peak at the heart of a wild and rugged area. The Ariundle Oakwoods provide a magnificent approach.

TERRAIN

Excellent track/path to mine, then rough, boggy and bumpy ridge. Traces of paths; steep but no scrambling.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

None to start; bus to Strontian 3km away.

START

Ariundle Oakwoods car park. 

DEER STALKING INFORMATION

Ardgour Estate - Stalking between mid-August and 20th October. No stalking on Sundays. Information signs are located at the parking areas at the entries to each glen.

If further information is required please email dmosgrove@broadlandproperties.co.uk or phone the Estate’s Head Keeper on 01855 841304 no later than 24-hours before planning to take access.

Walk Description

STAGE 1

There is a large car park at the entrance to Ariundle Oakwoods. Begin by heading along the track (the continuation of the road) into the woods. A National Nature Reserve, Ariundle Oakwoods are a splendid remnant of the original native oak woods that once stretched along much of the west coast of Scotland (and indeed, from Spain to Norway). As well as the oaks, there are Scots pine, birches, hazel, rowan, holly, willow and ash - and the woods are home to rare lichens, mosses and insects.

STAGE 2

Cross a bridge and ignore trails heading off to the right and left. After just under 3km the route passes through a gate and then forks - keep to the higher, left hand branch ahead. Further on is a second gate, and then the route - now an excellent path - crosses a decaying bridge high over the tumbling waters of the Allt Ruighe Spardail. The path then emerges from the trees, giving superb views to Sgurr na h-Iginn (crossed on our route) and Sgurr a'Chaorainn.

STAGE 3

Continue along the path until it comes alongside the spoil and workings of the long-abandoned Strontian lead mines. Leave the path here, heading across the old mines area before bearing left along a raised embankment to reach the Allt Feith Dhomhnuill (burn) near a small heap of spoil on the near bank. This is the best place to ford the burn - the bridge shown downstream on OS 1:25k maps has long since been swept away. In spate conditions the crossing could become dangerous or impossible. On the far side a path leads briefly east before petering out into boggy ground with coarse grasses.

STAGE 4

Continue up onto the lower part of the Druim Leac a'Sgiathain ridge; the ridge line is indistinct at first and terrain could be confusing in mist. As height is gained, stunning views open up behind, looking back over Ariundle Oakwoods to Loch Sunart and beyond. The going eventually improves as the gradient eases.

STAGE 5

The ridge undulates over several bumps and passes a couple of lochans, with views to Sgurr Dhomhnuill to the left, Sgurr na h-Ighinn ahead and Sgurr a'Chaorainn - the western summit of Beinn na h-Uamha - to the right.

STAGE 6

The ridge steepends once more for the final ascent to Sgurr na h-Ighinn. Though a fine rocky peak, it is simple enough to avoid any scrambling. The views from the tiny cairn are magnificent, with the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum visible over Acharacle. Descend the relatively gentle northeast ridge to the bealach.

STAGE 7

The ascent to Sgurr Dhomnuill is split into two stages with a brief flat section between. The first part of the climb is up a wide and easy grassy gully which splits the outcrops. The second section appears very steep, but a grassy rake slants uphill to the right to pass beneath some crags before steep - but straightforward and grassier - slopes lead up to the final ridge and the massive summit cairn.

STAGE 8

It is possible to descent the extremely steep and rocky slope to the Glas Bhealach and head along the Druim Garbh ridge to eventually reach the highest point of the road between Ariundle and Polloch. However, the simplest and perhaps most enjoyable return is to retrace the outward route. Once back on the bealach, it is possible to bypass Sgurr na h-Ighinn by a fairly obvious line across its northern side, before continuing on down the ridge back to the mine and to Ariundle.

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.

Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour

Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour Garbh Bheinn is a magnificent mountain, rough as any in Ardgour and famed for the great climbing crags on its eastern flanks. The route described here is out and back along the Sron a' Gharbh Choire Bhig ridge which offers superlative views throughout.
 TERRAIN Intermittent path up the ridge, mix of some boggy ground and outcropping rock. There is some very simple scrambling.
 PUBLIC TRANSPORT None to start.
 START A861 at bridge over Abhainn Coire an Iubhair, near Inversanda.
 STAGE 1 The route described here is probably the finest short route to Garbh Bheinn - a much longer alternative is the horseshoe of ridges around Coire an Iubhair which is best tackled anti-clockwise so as to take a very steep gully in ascent; this route would then be used for the descent. A loop of old road branches off the A861 just east of the bridge over the Allt Coire an Iubhair - turn onto this and there are several places to park. The walk begins on a path immediately on the west side of the old bridge. It is boggy at first and aims straight for the foot of the ridge and begins climbing. 
STAGE 2 As height is gained stunning views open up behind over Loch Linnhe towards Beinn a'Bheithir and the peaks of Glencoe. Soon the path reaches a steep rocky section where some minor scrambling is required; further on it heads up an easy rocky gully. The next set of crags appear to be a more serious obstacle but here the path bypasses the steeper rocks to the left side.
 STAGE 3 From here on the ridge remains very rocky but is broad with fewer very steep sections - only walking is required. The views increasingly open up, with Ben Nevis becoming prominent, and a striking view opening up down Loch Sunart. Eventually the cairn marking the south summit - point 823m - is reached, revealing a sudden first view of the summit of Garbh Bheinn across the next bealach, perched on the edge of its great eastern cliffs.
 STAGE 4 From the south summit there is only an intermittent path that leads down rocky slopes into the bealach, where a cairn sits at the top of a gully dropping into Garbh Choire Mor. From further back the next section climbing up onto Garbh Bheinn looked intimidatingly steep but in fact the ascent is relatively gentle, a path from the cairn slants left and climbs up to the west side of the peak. 
STAGE 5 Eventually the path cuts right to head up a grassy break in the rocks and easily head up to the summit of Garbh Bheinn - the cairn is at the far end of a short ridge, right by the eastern precipice. The views in all directions are simply superb; in addition to those enjoyed on the ascent, vistas now open up over the mountains of Ardgour and out to the islands of Mull, Eigg, Rum and Skye.
 STAGE 6 The best descent route is to return the same way back down the ridge, this time with the glorious views ahead. Those wishing to extend the walk would be best to head round the horseshoe anti-clockwise, finishing with Garbh bheinn and descending this ridge to avoid having to descend a steep gully to the Bealach Feith 'n Amean.

Givin' Haters A Reason

Thought I should tell everyone that the FreshAir broadcast is over for the year. There will still be an episode of What You Know 'Bout Stacks? uploaded here this weekend but don't bother getting up early for it as it won't be going out live at 11am.
Additionally, this may infact be the last ever episode of What You Know 'Bout Stacks? as previously unbeknownst to us we have to re-apply for a show next semester so after 4(ish) hours of glory (from this weekend) this may be it... I leave you with a word from our mentor and inspiration