Regarded by many hillwalkers as amongst the finest mountains in Scotland, Ladhar Bheinn enjoys a superb position on western seaboard in the remote Knoydart peninsula. It has dramatic ridges, huge crags falling into Coire Dhorrcail and amazing sea and mountain views from the summit.
Summary
Rough walking; initial ascent is up pathless slope with high bracken in summer. The ridge is rough with a few short scrambles but these are not exposed.
Terrain
NG765002
Grid ref
22.5km/14 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
Boats are available from Mallaig to Inverie (Mallaig has a train station).
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. From the new landing pier in Inverie, turn right along the road passing the Old Forge pub, the tea room and shop as well as a memorial to the Seven Men of Knoydart - land-raiders who staked out claims for crofts on Knoydart after World War 2; they lost their case but won massive public sympathy. Continue through the woodland until the road bends right and a track continues ahead - take the track, which is signed as a right of way to Kinlochhourn and Strathan. It climbs through the trees to reach another junction; fork right here through the gate, continuing on a track along the top of the forestry and then slightly downhill, through an open stretch and then another brief block of forest. Further on there is a prominent memorial up to the left - this was placed here by Lord Brocket to commemorate his father. A Nazi-sympathiser, Brocket was Laird here at the time of the land raids.
2. Ignore the track which branches off for Gleann Meadail and continue towards Loch an Dubh-Lochain. The ascent from the track up to the Mam Suidheig is steep in places, rough and partially bracken-covered in summer; there is no clear path and it is every man for himself. The bealach, which is wide and peaty, will be reached with some releif. Now follow the ridge to the east towards Aonach Sgoilite; there are only traces of a path but the views get better and better, especially looking back along the ridge. A grassy rake on the left with a faint path bypasses point 636m before rejoining the ridge on the climb beyond.
3. At the top of the next rise (point 758m) the ridge divides into two arms. The easiest route heads through the gap between them and continues down the grassy gully beyond; the left hand branch of the ridge ends in crags and should be avoided. Once down the gully it is easy to traverse right and regain the ridge crest. On the next ascent a low crag is avoided on the left before the ridge leads up to the broad grassy summit and tiny cairn at 849m.
4. At this point the route to Ladhar Bheinn from Barrisdale Bay joins in. Follow the now clearer path northwest; the initially grassy slope soon steepens and the path leads down to the Bealach Coire Dhorrcail. From here the route climbs steeply; there are a couple of short, very straightforward scrambly sections before the slope eases and the path continues across a series of knobbly bumps. There are dramatic glimpses down into Coire Dhorrcail on the right; the crags are impressive but too vegetated for much summer climbing.
5. There is one final awkward move needed up a rocky band - a very big step for some walkers that would be much easier in descent - or a more exposed series of smaller ledges to the left. Above this the route climbs steeply but on a path up the largely grassy ridge to suddenly reach the east summit with a tiny cairn. There are sensational views back along the ridge as well as down to Barrisdale and Loch Hourn. At this point the Stob a Choire Odhar ridge - the final arm of the circuit of Coire Dhorrcail from Barrisdale Bay - goes off to the right.
6. The true summit is a short distance further along the ridge at the next cairn, and enjoys what must be one of the finest views amongst the Munros. Setting the seal on perfection is the wide expanse of the sea, with the Cuillin of Skye and Rum prominent. The third summit, topped by a broken trig point, is a short distance further; continue along the ridge as it begins to descend easily at first and then more steeply.
7. Continue along the ridge until the bealach just short of the lochan, and then aim southwest down the steep and rocky slopes of Coire Garbh. The slope gradually eases and a clear but boggy path continues down, passing to the left of the conifer plantations to join the path downriver, passing the ruins at Folach. Pass through a gate and cross the bridge to reach a landrover track. Follow the track west, reaching and climbing gently through some more forestry. When it emerges at a t-junction at Folach gate, turn left on the track and follow it through the Mam Uidhe. On the far side it descends through forestry to return to Inverie; keep straight ahead at a cross-tracks to emerge near the Old Forge pub.
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