walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled

Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled


Postby BlackPanther » Tue Apr 04, 2017 12:37 pm

Munros included on this walk: Beinn na Lap

Date walked: 25/03/2017

Time taken: 10.5 hours

Distance: 29.5 km

Ascent: 1016m

2 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

As my husband often says, we are known for making easy routes difficult and turning simple hills into epics :lol: The way I see it, nothing wrong with choosing the longer approach if it's more entertaining. In case of Beinn na Lap, I always dreaded the Corrour route, as very dull and not really appreciating the best side of this shy mountain. So I started to look for alternatives and the idea of walking in from Fersit came to mind. Following suggestions and information from fellow WH members (thanks a lot again, everybody :D ) we plotted our route, beginning from the car park in Fersit and using the old Corrour Forest path around the eastern flanks of Chno Dearg. It's possible to add the latter to the walk to make more of circular, but we have already climbed Chno so there was no need to go over the top with distance/ascent. Even as a simple walk in-and-out, this route came down to almost 30km and over 1000m of ascent (GPS data), took over 10 hours, but we had a splendid day, weather out of dreams, we spent lots of time enjoying the views :D

It turns out, the path from Fersit to Loch Ossian is a right of way, so we assumed the path had to exist all the way - and it does. It's actually an ATV track, wet and boggy in places and a bit "untidy" in the forest, but nothing that can't be tackled by a determined walker :wink: No stream crossings that could be a problem, the only pain in **know what** is the bog, but we walked it on a sunny, warm day with a lot of snow melting - it must be much drier on a nice summer day.
The final ascent to Beinn na Lap is pathless but very easy - all on grass/low heather and gentle angle.

Track_BEINN NA LAP 25-03-17.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts


We arrived in Fersit at 8am, giving ourselves 11 hours of daylight, more than enough to complete this walk. There were other walkers getting ready, probably to climb Chno and SCS. The morning looked superb already, blue sky and little wind, wow, perfect walking weather!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 002.JPG

We walked through Fersit and past the last house, through a gate, then onto the access track, wide and dry at the moment:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 005.JPG

We found the right of way - a wet track, easy enough to follow:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 010.JPG

Lochan nan Caorach and Beinn a'Chaorainn:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 011.JPG

The track follows the edge of the forest for about 1 mile then it enters the woods. The gate is padlocked, but a stile is provided for walkers:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 027.JPG

Just past the gate, the track splits, an indicator points the right hand turn as "Right of way to Corrour station". Walking was pleasant in the forest, with no wind and birds singing around, that until we encountered our first stream to jump over :lol:
Ehmmm... Getting ready fro Pole vaulting :wink:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 034.JPG

Joking aside, yes, the track has a few of those puddles to negotiate, but it's far from drastic. Soon we stopped for a short break by the ruins of an old cottage:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 036.JPG

Next, after crossing another gate (this one wasn't locked) we encountered some more quagmire...
Snorkel ready? :lol: :lol:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 038.JPG

At 390772 the track meets a wide firebreak which could be mistaken for a path - the right way is straight ahead, uphill. We found ourselves up to our ankles deep in melting snow and finding our way around/over fallen trees:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 044.JPG

I was very relieved to leave the forest behind, though the track out in the open was somehow squelchy:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 046.JPG

...but forget the wet ground if you have views like that around you!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 057.JPG

I must admit, the walk over the high moorland was one of the highlights of the day. You may only be 500m above sea level, but views are unbelievable. Back north, behind us, the bulk of Creag Meagaidh and sidekicks dominated the pano:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 068.JPG

To the east, Binnein Shuas and Ardverikie Munros:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 069.JPG

Zoom to Binnein Shuas, only a Graham but a superb hill by its own means. We had one of our best days ever on this one (and its twin B. Shios behind):
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 072.JPG

One more snap. We kept stopping every 10 minutes as we walked over the moorland, eventually Kevin began to worry, if we didn't hurry up, we'd never get back to Fersit in daylight! But how could we run fast if we were surrounded by this...
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 077.JPG

Happy Panther posing with Beinn a'Chlachair behind:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 085.JPG

I was particularly fascinated by the step western flanks of Beinn Eibhinn, mirroring in Loch Ghuilbinn. The next Munro walk on my "to do" list is Beinn Eibhinn - Aonach Beag traverse from Moy - another one from "paths less traveled" book, but I'm desperate to avoid the train for this duo as well!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 097.JPG

A small cairn marks the highest point of the moorland path, great views down to the glen:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 099.JPG

The right of way descends to the Loch Ossian road. I say road because it looks more like it... Just in front of us, Beinn na Lap loomed, looking very inviting now:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 114.JPG

We crossed Allt Feith Thuill on a bridge and turned right along the river, where we spied a faint track.
Beinn na Lap and Allt Feith Thuill from the bridge:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 119.JPG

We reached the bottom of the Munro and took a longer break by a large boulder. The final climb didn't seem difficult, maybe a bit steep-ish in the initial 100m. We were already mesmerized by the views around and to think that we'd get more of that mountain pornography later on,it was hard to believe!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 130.JPG

Some snow, some heather, a few lumps and bumps - fine by me!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 131.JPG

After the first 100m, the ground became even easier and it was more like a Sunday stroll than Munro bagging! There was a faint path to follow (where snow didn't obscure it). At some point, Kevin stopped and said Shhhh! We have company!
Oh, deer!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 138.JPG

I was pinching myself. Such a fantastic day we had, views getting better with every step, I was so glad we decided to do this walk on a good day, to fully appreciate the landscape. And with the last touch of winter on the summits, simply breathtaking.
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 144.JPG

More Sunday strolling - towards the summit. What I'm gazing at here, is not the true summit but the top of the shoulder at 855m. The summit of BnL is about a mile further along the ridge, but I didn't mind. More ridgewalking, more porn! :lol: :lol:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 152.JPG

More panos to the north and east. Loch na Lap:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 155.JPG

Loch Ghuilbinn and the surrounding peaks:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 165.JPG

As we gained height, more views to the south and west appeared. The Mamores and Aonach Eagach:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 168.JPG

Crazy Cat!
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 171.JPG

It would be hard NOT to get crazy when looking at this...
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 179.JPG

Ben Nevis, what a beauty:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 182.JPG

Full view to the Mamores:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 184.JPG

The true summit of Beinn na Lap was in sight now:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 196.JPG

Western pano:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 194.JPG

Eastern pano:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 195.JPG

Bewildered, gobsmacked, so much in love with this landscape...
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 207.JPG

Back to Chno Dearg and Stob Coire Sgriodain:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 208.JPG

The final short, steeper section took us to the summit of Beinn na Lap - our first new Munro in 2017... Wee Lucy had an additional reason to celebrate :wink: Hard to believe she's such an experienced mountain lamb now :lol: :lol: :lol:
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 282.JPG

Me and Kevin on the summit - Munro no. 201 for me, no. 209 for my husband.
2017-03-25 beinn na lap 294.JPG

We had undisturbed views in all directions, fantastic weather, so no wonder we couldn't resist a longer break here?
Time to relax and adjust your boots!
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 243
Time to record the mind boggling views...
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 257
Time for another photo session, including fluffy lambs and mountain peaks :lol:
ImageDSCF8195
Now to what we saw...
1. South:
ImageDSCF8198
............
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 242
2. West:
ImageDSCF8197
3. East:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 271
4. North:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 237
A few interesting details. Zoomed AE:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 252
NW towards Loch Lochy hills:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 231
Shios and Shuas:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 235
Zoomed Nevis:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 247
Big Buachaille:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 264
Lawers ridge:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 270
We left the summit at half past two, it took us less than 1 hour to get down the north ridge, even including some fun and games on the way :lol:
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 296
Descending the slopes with such views around was pure pleasure!
ImageDSCF8223
Kevin gazing into the secretive Coire nan Cnamh, the less known side of Stob Coire Sgriodain:
ImageDSCF8226
The return walk to Fersit provided more fun, despite having to negotiate more wet ground (snow was melting like mad), we simply couldn't understand, why so many people opt for the Corrour route - this was the way to fully appreciate BnL!
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 321
Back in the forest, we discovered that most of the snow on the track in the woods has now melted, too, making the ground even squelchier :? but we had so many fantastic memories, that some boggy underfoot wasn't going to spoil the day :D
Image2017-03-25 beinn na lap 334
I can't imagine a better way to visit this remote yet underrated Munro. A long day, maybe, but well worth the effort.
.........................
One more TR to come from me, this time an awkward Corbett in Kintail area. What a difference in a week - all snow gone!
Last edited by BlackPanther on Mon Oct 14, 2019 8:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
BlackPanther
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 3839
Munros:268   Corbetts:182
Fionas:136   
Sub 2000:75   
Joined: Nov 2, 2010
Location: Beauly, Inverness-shire

Re: Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled

Postby Phil the Hill » Tue Apr 04, 2017 1:09 pm

Interesting route and great conditions for a walk.

I'm planning the Beinn Eibhinn - Aonach Beag traverse from Moy too, so I look forward to your report on that one.
User avatar
Phil the Hill
Walker
 
Posts: 411
Munros:274   Corbetts:30
Fionas:12   Donalds:13
Sub 2000:38   Hewitts:136
Wainwrights:63   Islands:25
Joined: Sep 22, 2010
Location: Wallington, Surrey

Re: Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled

Postby rockhopper » Tue Apr 04, 2017 5:40 pm

Great day for it - do like the zoomed shots. Interesting way to approach - took this way initially off Beinn na Lap en route to Stob Coire Sgriodain but then came off the ridge part way down - as you say, the ground conditions are fairly straightforward if a little steep at times - cheers :)
User avatar
rockhopper
 
Posts: 7446
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:136   Donalds:89+20
Sub 2000:16   Hewitts:2
Wainwrights:3   Islands:20
Joined: May 31, 2009
Location: Glasgow

Re: Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled

Postby Mal Grey » Tue Apr 04, 2017 10:21 pm

Nice way to do this hill by the look of it. As always, the enthusiasm you both have for the hills shines through in your writing. Carry on :D
User avatar
Mal Grey
Wanderer
 
Posts: 4617
Munros:113   Corbetts:23
Fionas:12   
Sub 2000:9   Hewitts:116
Wainwrights:71   Islands:6
Joined: Dec 1, 2011
Location: Surrey, probably in a canoe! www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk

Re: Beinn na Lap from Fersit - paths less traveled

Postby BlackPanther » Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:01 pm

Thanks, guys :D I often wonder where all that mountain madness comes from :lol: It must be an addiction...

Beinn na Lap "less popular way" was something I always wanted to do. Hopefully Eibhinn and A. Beag come soon as well, all depends on weather. Hillwalking is such a superb way of spending time. By any means, I'm not going to stop!
User avatar
BlackPanther
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 3839
Munros:268   Corbetts:182
Fionas:136   
Sub 2000:75   
Joined: Nov 2, 2010
Location: Beauly, Inverness-shire

2 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).




Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: lynnrobinson, sjoerdtel and 78 guests