CWT Knoydart variant 1: A' Chuil to Inverie

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This very long variant heads across the appropriately named 'Rough Bounds of Knoydart' to divert to Inverie. The first section to Sourlies involves rough and boggy going once beyond the forestry; the second half has a better path but climbs steeply to the Màm Meadail pass. If it is too much, consider spending a night at the idyllically-located Sourlies bothy or camping nearby.

Terrain

Rough and boggy paths; better graded path on ascent to Màm Meadail

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. Head roughly north across the pathless marshland towards the footbridge at Carnach (Carnoch on some maps), which was rebuilt in 2019. Once across turn right briefly, then follow the path northwards that heads towards the Màm Meadail pass.

Stage 5

The old constructed path is clear to follow but climbs fairly steeply to the pass, aided by long series of zig-zags. At the summit of the pass the going becomes somewhat boggier as the path makes a more gradual descent into Gleann Meadail. The glen narrows at its lower end, and the path crosses a footbridge to the south bank of the burn below Torr an Tuirc. The route then passes Druim bothy - privately-owned, this is kept locked and is available for rental.

Stage 6

Continue to reach the bridge over the main Inverie River, and continue on the far side to reach a t-junction with a track. Turn left here, passing below a prominent memorial up to your left - this was placed here by Lord Brocket to commemorate his father. A Nazi-sympathiser, Brocket was Laird here at the time of the land raids.

Stage 7

Now simply continue down the main track towards Inverie, passing above forestry and then descending to reach a junction with Knoydart's 'road'. The campsite and bunkhouse are to the left here, whereas the cafe, pub and ferry pier in Inverie are to the right, continuing along the sea front.

Next stage: Inverie to Barrisdale Bay to rejoin Cape Wrath Trail

Photos 3 & 4: Phil Turner

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CWT Knoydart variant 1: A' Chuil to Inverie

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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