Beinn Sgritheall gives a steep and punishing ascent; the effort is well worthwhile however as this is one of the finest viewpoints in the Highlands, with a fantastic outlook over dramatic Loch Huorn to Knoydart and the Cuillin of Skye.
Summary
An extremely steep mountain ascent with scree.
Terrain
NG843105
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10km/6.25 miles
Distance
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Infrequent bus service to Arnisdale.
Open Traveline Scotland
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Pronunciation
and meaning
1. The walk begins at Arnisdale village, a beautiful and extremely peaceful and remote spot. Please do not park on the verges; a couple of small car parks have been provided, one just a hundred metres from where a footpath sign reads 'Ben Sgritheall' and indicates the start of the walk.
2. The ascent begins with a climb up behind the village on boggy ground; higher up the way steepends and zigzags left and right, keeping to the right of the stream which cascades down from the Bealach Arnisdale. Continue the ascent steeply right up to the Bealach; a considerable climb.
3. From the bealach the slopes leading up to the 906 metre top have to be tackled more or less direct, and are even steeper than the climb thus far. There are long fingers of grass which enable avoidance of most of the scree; it is still something of a turf-clutching crawl however. The 906 metre top at the start of the ridge will be reached with profound relief. From here, follow the ridge across a wide col towards the summit of the mountain; on the final rise the ridge becomes narrow and airy. The views over Knoydart and Barrisdale Bay are superb, as is the vista north and northeast-wards over range after range of Kintail peaks.
4. The summit of Beinn Sgritheall has a triangulation pillar at 974 metres, and on a clear day has one of the most magnificent panoramas you'll ever see, the view of Loch Huorn now being matched by a fabulous outlook over Skye and the Cuillin ridge. If the weather permits, you'll want to linger here, before beginning the descent down the west ridge of the mountain. This is rocky but not too difficult, and has a couple of easier sections to relieve the general steepness. Continue along the ridge to the small lochan at NG816126.
5. From the lochan, the descent turns left and begins to head down towards the road. The ground is as steep as ever, but it should be possible to find a narrow path which winds awkwardly down the slope and through the Coille Mhialairigh forest. At length it reaches the road, and never were you so glad to step foot back onto level tarmac. Turn left along the road to return to Arnisdale in about three kilometres.
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