Garbh Bheinn is a magnificent peak, one of the Cuillin outliers, and its traverse involves only a little moderate scrambling. Belig too is a fine summit, and completes an enjoyable horse-shoe route.
Summary
Rocky peaks with moderate scrambling on Garbh Bheinn, screes on the descents. The lower ground is pathless and boggy.
Terrain
NG534266
Grid ref
10km/6.25 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Lay-by by waterfall at head of Loch Ainort.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Buses from Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin - get off at the head of Loch Ainort.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in the large lay-by near the Eas a Bhradain waterfall on the A87(T) at the head of Loch Ainort. Begin the walk just south of the waterfall, heading across the trackless, boggy moorland until the ground starts to improve as you reach the Druim Eadar Da Choire ridge. The ridge leads to a bare, domed summit, and the steep ascent of the rocky north ridge of Garbh Bheinn begins just across a shallow col. It's easier to keep to the crest of the ridge, where the gabbro is sound and the gradient never becomes to steep. Eventually the ridge levels off slightly at a shoulder.
2. Beyond the shoulder is the final section of ridge, which is narrower and involves some scrambling. There is easier, but looser, ground to the right at most of the obstacles. The ridge turns east to reach the fine summit, where we were lucky enough to see a golden eagle. There are wonderful views from this section across to the Cuillin Ridge.
3. The summit of Garbh-bheinn (which means the Rough Mountain - I'm sure you'll agree) is 808 metres and is one of only two Corbetts on Skye. The view is a magnificent swirl of black, jagged mountains, green straths and deep blue sea. In front of the vast bulk of Bla Bheinn to the south is the shapely summit of Clach Glas, the Skye Matterhorn - from this angle you can see why the easiest route on Clach Glas is a rock-climb.
4. The descent of the northeast ridge again involves some scrambling at first, with again easier variants to the left. Below the upper section, the remainder of the ridge down to the Bealach na Beiste is over rough boulders and scree. From the col it is possible to escape from the route by descending into the valley to the north. Otherwise, ascend the southwest ridge of Belig, the route following the top of a drystone dyke near the summit.
5. The summit of Belig, a Graham at 702 meters, is a tiny grassy platform and a beautiful place for a stop in good weather. Descend down the north ridge. Half way down the ridge steepens into a craggy buttress - this can be avoided by leaving the ridge just above and descending easy scree slopes to the west. Once down onto the moor, continue descending northwards to reach the stream, and follow this to the road half a kilometre from the start.
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