The high ridge running from Beinn Eibhinn over Aonach Beag to Geal Charn, and its eastern extension to Carn Dearg, is one of the remotest mountain groups in Scotland. It can be approached from Luiblea in the north, or the western summits can be climbed from Corrour Station. The route described here is from Culra bothy, beautifully set and accessible via a walk-in from Dalwhinnie.
Summary
Good walking along the ridge with a steep ascent to Geal Charn. The approach from Culra is steep and pathless whilst the descent involves a lot of pathless, rough going. The whole route is very remote.
Terrain
NN522761
Grid ref
18.5km/11.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
No road access to Culra. Dalwhinnie rail station is very convenient for the walk-in
to Culra.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. This route begins from Culra bothy; the walk in from Dalwhinnie to Culra is described separately. Culra is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help them by keeping the place tidy and carrying out any rubbish you find here. It is also appreciated if you can leave a report on the condition of the bothy at its webpage on the MBA website. From Culra a faint path starts up the slope to the west towards Carn Dearg, soon petering out. Continue up the steep heather slopes to the northwest; the going can be eased slightly by following the line of a grassy gully which is usually dry. When the slope eases, continue across rough ground until curving left to gain the ridge leading up towards Carn Dearg, which gives much better going.
2. The summit of Carn Dearg has fine views, with Ben Alder and its Leachas ridges having pride of place. Descend west; the ground soon becomes grassy as the route continues across a bealach and crosses the minor Top of An Diollaid. The ridge then descends to a second, lower bealach with some fine scenery.
3. To the right Coire Cheap with a circular lochan, whilst on the left the larger Loch an Sgoir is cradled by the spectacular Lancet Edge, whilst the route continues up steep Aisre Ghobhainn, with a path avoiding any problems. It emerges suddenly on a spacious, undulating grassy plateau. In poor conditions it could be difficult to locate the summit, which is marked by a small cairn around a kilometre WSW. From here, it is possible to shorten the walk, either by heading for the Lancet Edge for an exposed scrambly descent, or by heading for the Bealach Dubh.
4. To continue the walk to the next two Munros, follow the edge of the plateau WSW; it soon narrows and becomes an obvious ridge as it leads on to a high bealach at 1016 metres. The ascent to dome-like summit of Aonach Beag is short and straightforward; again the summit is marked by a small cairn.
5. Follow the southwest ridge easily down to the next bealach. The descent route back for Culra leaves from here, but before taking it there is still Beinn Eibhinn to ascent. The first part of this climb is a little steeper, with some rocks, but there are no difficulties. After a slight dip the ridge rises more gently to the first of two summits, marked with the same height on OS 1:25 000 mapping; the second of them is regarded as the Munro, the fourth of the day.
6. Return back down the ridge to the last bealach. From here a faint path angles south to avoid some scree to reach grassier ground. Descend into Coire a'Charra Bhig, crossing and then keeping to the left of the stream. Before the bogs at the foot of the corrie are reached traverse the rough slopes to the left, keeping below the crags of Sron Ruadh but above the peat. Once beyond the bogs drop down to the Allt Coire a'Laobhair and head for the stalkers path a short distance up the far slope. This is superbly maintained; turn left and follow it as it climbs over the Bealach Dubh. From here the path continues for a further 5.5km before reaching Culra bothy once more, crossing the Allt Loch an Sgoir along the way.
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