Beinn Fhada, from Morvich

Summary

Beinn Fhada is a mountain of great bulk. Whilst it may lack the graceful ridges elsewhere in Kintail, an ascent reveals its true character and complexity, with some magnificent northern corries. The ascent route has a superb stalkers' path as far as the plateau, leading through dramatic scenery. The optional different descent route involves a narrower ridge and a short but a short bit of awkward scrambing (Grade 1).

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

A stalkers path gives a fairly straightforward route to the plateau, but crossing the plateau itself requires good navigation skills. The alternative descent involves a slabby scramble; in wet weather it should be avoided and the ascent route retraced.

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.

Getting there

Start

Morvich.

Public Transport

Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 (request stop at drivers discretion).

Start Grid Ref

NG961211

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.75km / 10.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1234m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn Fhada

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Walk Description

User reports (35)

Stage 1

Turn off the A87 at Morvich, and park at the National Trust for Scotland Morvich countryside centre, opposite Morvich Caravan Club site. Start by walking along the continuation of the road until the turning space at the end, then cross the bridge at Innichro. Keep ahead on the track on the far side before looking out for a signed path which heads off right after 60m. The path is clear to follow, passing through a couple of gates and before continuing up the glen above the Abhainn Chonaig. After a couple of kilometres keep right at a fork (the Falls of Glomach path goes off left here).

Stage 2

The old path now climbs gently up the glen. As the glen is ascended it takes on an increasingly wild character. For the most part the route keeps well above the river. The Allt a Choire Chaoil can usually be crossed on boulders, though it may be difficult or dangerous in spate. The stalkers path then climbs several zigzags en route as it climbs towards the Bealach an Sgairne.

Stage 3

Above the zigzags turn right at a cairn (the left path heads for the bealach); the now smaller but still very clear stalkers' path contours round and then descends slightly into the lower reaches of Coire an Sgairne. The scenery in this hidden corrie is impressive, as are the views across to the jagged Sgùrr a Choire Ghairbh over to the right (this ridge can be used in descent).

Stage 4

Continue up the stalkers path which zig-zags up to the upper corrie, and then swings left to climb in zig-zags again and reach the broad Sgùrr an Doire Leathain ridge. Continue up this ridge, leaving the stalkers path (there's a small cairn) and heading up close to the edge of the sweeping plateau.

Stage 5

Navigation could be difficult here in mist. The summit of Beinn Fhada is to the southeast; it is possible to walk round the northern edge of the plateau to reach it, giving fine views of Loch a Bhealaich. A cylindrical trig point marks the summit, a Munro at 1032 metres. The easiest option for the descent is to reverse the route of ascent. The more challening option, which makes for a fine circular walk, is to descend via the Sgùrr a' Choire Ghairbh ridge; this involves a slabby scramble at one point which might be difficult in the wet. This awkward section is easier tackled in this direction however.

Stage 6

If descending via this alternative route, head west initially across the wide plateau of the Plaide Mhor. The plateau slopes downhill for some distance before ascending to the Top of Meall an Fhuarain Mhòir. From here, a final arete is seen ahead, and a path leads down to the start of it.

Stage 7

There is a steep descent to the Bealach an t-Sealgaire (Hunter's Pass), but it is the ascent up the far side of this pass which forms has the slightly awkward scramble, up a grassy tongue and then a slabby rock (not very exposed), to reach Sgùrr a Choire Ghairbh. From here, the scrambly and undulating ridge is followed over a series of knobbly summits before a steeper descent is made, heading down towards the minor bump of Bheinn Bhuidhe. From here the ridge continues to curve to the left, before more featureless slopes are descended towards the foot of Gleann Lichd. The route becomes very boggy and ill-defined lower down - as a fence is approached, aim for a gate at NG977213. From here aim towards the right of the group of houses, continuing down beside a fence and passing through another gate at NG971213. A short distance beyond the outward path is rejoined - turn left along this to return to the start.

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