Straightforward and popular route to this Corbett with fine views over Torridon, the length of Loch Damh and the islands. The route can be extended to take in Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire which has good views over Loch Torridon and Beinn Alligin. The first part of the route is through lovely Scots Pine woods with glimpses of waterfalls and is on a finely constructed stalker's path.
Summary
Excellent stalkers path to begin with, becoming eroded on the steeper slopes to the ridge. From here the path is indistinct but easy to follow in clear conditions over grassy and then stony ground with quartzite rocks on the final ascent..
Terrain
NG889542
Grid ref
12km/7.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Car park at Torridon Inn (formerly the Ben Damph lodge), if full there is parking on the road near
the bend.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. From the car park walk behind the Torridon Inn and over a small bridge. Follow a sign to the left for the hill path through rhododendrons. Soon the route crosses the road and climbs up through lovely Scots Pine woods. The path is a well constructed stalker's path which rises steeply before crossing the Allt Dubh on a small stone footbridge. The path continues to climb and as the woods thin there are good views of the gorge below. At one point a high waterfall can be seen and there is a small path off to the left which can be used for a better view if care is taken. Continue as the path climbs across heather moorland towards the shoulder in the ridge between Meall Gorm and Beinn Damh. Where the path splits take the right hand higher route.
2. Higher up the path becomes eroded in the steeper places but still clear to follow as you head for the lowest point on the ridge ahead. Eventually the route reaches the broad ridge from where good views of Loch Damh (from the far edge of the bealach), the Applecross hills, and the sea and islands beyond can be seen. The hour long detour to the summit Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire is worth the effort in good weather, the path is clear over the intervening peak with one steep section on the second climb.
3. To continue to Beinn Damh turn left on the ridge to walk in a south easterly direction on an initially good path. The most direct route skirts the stony northern peak and traversing round below the stones before ascending them by on a line of small cairns to meet the ridge at the lowest point. From here the stony ridge narrows but presents no difficulties and rewards with excellent views across the whole of Torridon.
4. The final climb to the summit cairn is very rocky but straightforward and a great place to take in the superb all round view. Mountains such as Maol Chean-dearg and An Ruadh-stac look very fine to the southeast.
5. The prospect southwest takes in the Applecross mountains, with Beinn Bhan magnificent, and is backed by the Isle of Skye. North is Loch Torridon and its celebrated sandstone peaks. Other descent routes lead into difficulties, so it is best to retrace your steps, no great hardship in such fantastic surroundings.
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