Beinn Fhada (or Ben Attow)

Beinn Fhada is a bulky mountain with no sign of the graceful ridges elsewhere in Kintail. However an ascent of the mountain reveals its true character and fine northern corries.

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.

Public Transport

There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness. Ask to get off at Allt a'chruinn, which is two kilometres from Morvich.

Winter Safety

Please note that hillwalking in winter conditions - which is whenever there is snow lying - requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly, and to judge which routes are safe for the conditions and your party in winter. Please see our Winter Essentials for details.

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Morvich. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.75km/10.25 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1234m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NG961211

Summits Climbed

Munro: Beinn Fhada

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

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, keeping left at two forks and crossing the bridge at Innichro. Keep ahead on the track on the far side before looking out for a path which heads off right after 60m. The path crosses rough ground but soon becomes very clear and comes close to the Abhainn Chonaig. After a couple of kilometres keep right at a fork.

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 for the Bealach an Sgairne. Do not continue right up to the bealach, instead turning right onto a smaller but still very clear path at a small cairn above the zigzag ascent. This new path contours round into the lower reaches of Coire an Sgairne.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 3

The scenery in this hidden corrie is impressive, as are the views across to the jagged Sgurr a Choire Ghairbh over to the right (this ridge can be used in descent). Continue up the stalkers path until it fades as it reaches the broad Sgurr an Doire Leathain ridge. Continue up this ridge, which soon broadens into a sweeping plateau. Navigation could be difficult here in mist.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 4

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. It is also possible to head south and then east, traversing the mountain before descending to the upper reaches of Glen Affric, but this is not practical unless one is planning on camping or staying in the bothy or hostel in that glen.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 5

A third option, which makes a fine circular walk, is to descent via the Sgurr a Choire Ghairbh ridge; this involves a slabby scramble at one point which would be difficult in the wet. This awkward section is easier tackled in this direction however. 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 Mhoir. From here, the plateau narrows dramatically to form a fine ridge.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 6

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 the awkward scramble, to Sgurr a Choire Ghairbh. From here, the undulating ridge is followed round over a series of knobbly summits before a steeper rocky 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. Turn left along the path in the glen and follow it to a track, then turn left again and follow this to cross the bridge at Inchnacro and follow the tarred road back to Morvich.

Photo: yokehead

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Beinn Fhada (or Ben Attow)

Terrain

Public Transport

Winter Safety

Users' reports

Start

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Stage 2

Photo: yokehead

Stage 3

Photo: yokehead

Stage 4

Photo: yokehead

Stage 5

Photo: yokehead

Stage 6

Photo: yokehead

Route Profile