Back in the September of 2006 Hazel and I climbed our second ‘Torridian Giant’, Beinn Alligin. On the summit of Sgurr Mor, our second Munro of the day, looking out towards the Shieldaig and Flowerdale Forests, we saw the impressive mountain masses of Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin, and immediately added these to our ‘must climb list’.

It took a few years, but during a welcome week’s break in Badachro, Thursday 19th March 2009 to be precise (a couple of days after a memorable day climbing Quinag) we parked at a small parking area, by a green shed, on the A832 West of Loch Maree (GR: 856721) where there was the beginning of a signposted well laid track.

We followed this easy undulating track for approximately 5 kilometres to the stepping stones across the Abhainn Loch na h-Oidhche, from where we headed directly towards the North West buttress of Beinn an Eoin. We picked a path avoiding the buttress to reach the main ridge, where we traversed over 3 minor tops before the final stiff ascent to the summit, reached in approximately 4 hours. We were rewarded with great views over the central Torridian group and an eagle flying below us.



From the summit we continued along the ridge South, picking our way through the boulders, before descending very steeply almost directly West to the Bothy of Poca Buidhe.

The Bothy provided a welcome rest, although a previous party must have had a fine evening judging from the empty cans of Carling strewn around ….. inside and out! After a quick clear-up I decided that a spot of light refreshment was in order and ‘sampled’ a can for myself ….. a small reward for said clear-up!

Refreshed, we headed South West from the Bothy then West between a number of small Lochans to gain the South West ridge of Baosbheinn.


We followed the ridge over 2 minor tops before making the final steep ascent to the summit (Sgorr Dubh), reached in approximately 6 hours 30 minutes. We were rewarded with an RAF flyby, Tornado's I think ….. I wasn’t quick enough to get a photograph.


Continuing along the main ridge, we reached a col from where we descended the North East spur, heading left lower down into An Reidh-choire.

On reaching Abhainn Loch na h-Oidhche, we followed the river to a footbridge from where we regained the well laid track and continued the long haul back to the small parking area.



In total we where approximately 9 hours on the mountain covering just over 23km. A fantastic day's hiking, magnificent scenery, fabulous weather and topped off with a few pints and a fine meal back at the Badachro Inn. It can't get much better than this!