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.

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Start

Morvich. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

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

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 414 - Glen Shiel
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

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 on the track on the far side before looking out for a path which heads off left after 300m. 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.