Ben Alder is one of the great remote mountains of Scotland, set in the very heart of the Central Highlands. Approaches are long from any direction; Corrour Station gives the nearest access from the west, whilst it is possible to approach from Loch Rannoch in the south. The finest approach, however, is from Culra bothy to the northeast (accessed via a long walk-in or cycle from Dalwhinnie). From the ascent gives a grand circuit with very simple scrambling.
Summary
Some pathless ground on approach and descent, and simple scrambling on the Long Leachas ridge. Descent from Ben Alder to the bealach is down a steep open slope; navigation could be difficult here and on the plateau.
Terrain
NN522761
Grid ref
17km/10.5 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 Ben Alder looks magnificent, with two rocky ridges - the Short and Long Leachas, enclosing a hanging corrie. This route follows the ridge on the right - the Long Leachas and gives some very simple scrambling. Start in the opposite direction, following the track back downstream for just over 300 metres to reach and cross the bridge over the Allt a'Chaoil-reidhe. On the far side follow the grassy path to meet the superbly maintained stalkers' path, and turn right up this to begin the walk towards Ben Alder. After almost 2 kilometres the path bends left away from the river and climbs up the moorland towards Beinn Bheoil. Look out for a small cairn at NN515744 which marks a convenient place to leave the path and strike out across the heather.
2. A faint path runs across the slope and eases the going at first. Drop slightly to cross the Allt a'Bhealaich Bheithe, which can be done on stones when the water is low but may be difficult in spate. Continue across the rough moor beyond, aiming to reach the Long Leachas just to the left of a slight hummock on the ridge. Once on the ridge there is path. The ridge can appear intimidating, but the path winds up the first very steep rise, weaving between crags with no real difficulties. The ridge then levels off before a second steep rise that looks to be barred near the top by crags.
3. At this point the path heads to the right before climbing back up to the ridge crest via a scrabbly gully. Beyond the ridge is narrow and rocky but any real difficulties can be easily avoided before the route emerges suddenly on the stony plateau beyond. Continue across this, keeping the crags to the left and climbing up past the top of the Short Leachas ridge. The going now becomes a little grassier and there are good views down to Loch a' Bhealaich Bheithe to Beinn Bheoil, before finally a rougher pull over boulders leads up to the summit of Ben Alder, marked by a trig point in a windshelter cairn with a much larger cairn alongside. The stone ruin just north below the summit is all that remains of a camp set up by Major General Thomas Fredrick Colby as part of the original Ordnance Survey mapping party.
4. Continue round the plateau edge (careful navigation needed in mist), which bends to the left shortly after passing Lochan a'Garbh Choire; there are great views over the Garbh Choire. After passing spot height 1103m (OS 1:25k map, or marked with a 1100m contour ring on OS 1:50k) leave the cliffs and head to head southeast. From NN502705 descend down steep, rough slopes by a burn to reach the Bealach Breabag, with good views of Loch Ericht and Rannoch Moor beyond. It is important not to follow the edge of the plateau as it curves further east and then north as this leads out onto a prow from where cliffs bar any descent to the bealach.
5. From the bealach it is possible to cut the walk short by heading north and following a stalkers path back to Culra. To include Beinn Bheoil in the walk, however, follow a faint path up the slopes of Sron Coire na h-Iolaire. It is possible to bypass this summit of this Top on the left before following a narrowing ridge down to a bealach and then on up past a rocky knobble before reaching the cairn marking the summit of Beinn Bheoil.
6. From the summit there are excellent views both back to Ben Alder and along the length of Loch Ericht, with a glimpse of distant Dalwhinnie. Continue along the ridge for another 750 metres or so before bearing left down the slope once past the screes. Continue WNW down the moor, aiming to meet the stalkers path close to where it changes direction. Once gained the path gives excellent walking back to the bridge over the river and Culra bothy.
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