A' Chuil to Barrisdale Bay

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This very long stage crosses the appropriately named 'Rough Bounds of Knoydart'; it's every bit as tough and strenuous as the name suggests. The paths are fainter (if they exist at all) and the terrain unforgiving. Nonetheless, the scenery is beautiful and there are plenty of options for breaking up the journey if it's simply too much, including a night at the idyllically-located Sourlies bothy.

Terrain

Extremely rough, boggy footpaths and pathless terrain

Public Transport

No road access.

Start

Track above A' Chuil bothy. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

Leave the forestry along the good track as it winds across open ground before reentering a patch of woodland and reaching a bridge. A much boggier, rougher ATV track now continues, initially alongside the River Dessary. The track then leaves the river and includes a couple of steep ascents before it exits the forest beside a stile.

Stage 2

After leaving the forest the path joins another coming in from the right. The path is initially clear and relatively dry. Ignore a path off right for Sgurr na Ciche. The path deteriorates over the bealach, eventually passing the two lochans at Mam na Cloich 'airde.

Stage 3

Shortly after the lochans the River Finiskaig must be crossed - it shouldn't be too dramatic but take care, especially in spate. As the river is squeezed into a deep gorge take the path that winds above - don't be drawn into the gorge itself - and enjoy the view that opens up along Loch Nevis as the path begins a steep descent towards the bay.

Stage 4

Cross a decent wooden footbridge and follow one of several paths the to bothy at Sourlies. This basic shelter maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. It occupies a privileged position at the head of the 20km-long loch but is quite small and can quickly fill up. Leaving the bothy continue west - if the tide is out simply walk along the beach, but at high tide it'll be necessary to scramble over the headland or wade.

Stage 5

Head roughly north across the pathless marshland towards the footbridge at Carnach (Carnoch on some maps), which was rebuilt in 2019. Once across continue along the initially good track on the northern bank of the river. As the River Carnach valley begins to steepen beneath Ben Aden and Meall Coire na Gaoithe' n Ear the path becomes rougher, with an element of scrambling through the undergrowth involved, before emerging at a beautiful clearing (a perfect wild camp spot) next to a small ruin.

Stage 6

The path soon disappears, so it's necessary to follow the river for another 1km before climbing across very rough ground to find and join the clear stalkers' path that leads over Mam Unndalain.

Stage 7

Once on the path turn left to continue the ascent to the bealach - this is relatively easy going on a clear path which permits maximum enjoyment of the rugged surrounding terrain and on descent the unfolding views of Loch Hourn.

Stage 8

Emerging from Gleann Unndalain pass the huddle of buildings at Ambraigh to reach the estate bothy and campsite at Barrisdale - for which there is a small charge (please note there are no other facilities) - a beautiful place to relax after a hard day.

Next stage: Barrisdale Bay to Morvich

Route: Phil Turner

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A' Chuil to Barrisdale Bay

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Mapping and GPS

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