Braigh nan Uamhachan, near Glenfinnan

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Braigh nan Uamhachan may lack the height and drama of its neighbouring Corbett, Streap, but after a demanding initial climb it rewards with fine views of the mountains all around.

Terrain

Track for approach. Steep, pathless ascent to ridge, then difficult tussocky ground before going improves on ridge walk to summit.

Public Transport

Buses to Mallaig pass the start of the walk.

Start

Parking off the A830 just west of bridge over the Dubh Lighe. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a small car park (signed Craigag car park) maintained by the Fassfern estate off to the north side of the A830 just west of the bridge over the Dubh Lighe. Begin the walk by returning to the road, heading east towards the bridge and then turning left onto an estate track. Go through a stile next to the locked gate and carry on along the estate road which follows the west bank of the Dubh Lighe for 3km; the burn has some attractive waterfalls along the way. Eventually a junction is reached; turn right down to a bridge.

Stage 2

On the far side the track swings left and climbs up to reach Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy. This is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association, and has been rebuilt following its destruction by fire. Please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 3

Continue along the track - with excellent views of Streap at the head of the glen. The route descends and eventually leaves the forest at a gate. Once out onto the open hill leave the track and turn right, heading directly up the steep and pathless slopes parallel to the fence - this section is a real slog. Higher up the gradient eases but the ground becomes tussocky, giving tedious going, before improving somewhat.

Stage 4

Aim up the broad and fairly featureless slopes to climb Na h-Uamnachan - tricky to navigate in poor visibility, especially on descent. There are now great views to Gulvain on the opposite side of the ridge. Fenceposts accompany the walk down into the next bealach, losing around 100m in height.

Stage 5

Once at the bealach the line of fence posts are replaced by a substantial stone wall. This is followed up and over Sròn Liath.

Stage 6

There is a short steep descent of 20m or so before the final climb to the summit of Braigh nan Uamhachan begins. The wall soon turns off to the left; continue up the slope to reach the top, which is marked by two small cairns a short distance apart. It is hard to say which is the higher, but the second cairn has the more dramatic position.

Stage 7

The return is back the same way. It is possible to descend to Gleann Fionnlighe from the bealach between the summit and na h-Uamhachan, but this route emerges 3km east on the road from the start - and the A830 is too busy with traffic to negotiate safely.

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Braigh nan Uamhachan, near Glenfinnan

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

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