CWT Knoydart variant 1: A' Chuil to Inverie

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

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 in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 25km / 15.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 11 hours
Ascent: 1035m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM942923

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Head up from the bothy to regain the forestry track, and turn right to continue along it. Continue on the track to leave the forest, sloping downhill and then rentering another section of forestry beyond. Eventually the good track ends at a bridge over the River Dessary. 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, becoming very soggy underfoot. It eventually passes the two lochans at Mam na Cloich 'airde. Around 500m or so further the River Finiskaig must be crossed - usually reasonably straightforward. Fruther down the river flows through a deep gorge - keep to the path that stays above this and don't be tempted into the gorge itself.

Stage 3

A great view opens up as the route descends towards the bay at the head of Loch Nevis. Cross a wooden footbridge and follow a path down to the tiny 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; there is plenty of grassy space for camping outside.

Stage 4

If not staying the night here, the route continues west. At lowest tide it is easiest to walk along the shoreline, but if the tide is high it becomes necessary to climb over the rough headland above the crags. After rounding Strone Sourlies the route turns towards the north, crossing marshland. It is best to keep near the shore at first, and later keep near the river, to reach the substantial footbridge at Carnach (Carnoch on some maps). This was rebuilt in 2019 after the previous bridge was washed out.

Stage 5

Once across turn right briefly, then turn off left to pass to the left side of the ruins of Carnach - the path is unclear at first. Above the ruins the old constructed path is more easily picked up. This is clear to follow but climbs fairly steeply to the pass, aided by long series of zig-zags. At the summit of the pass there is a superb view of the great conical peak of Sgurr na Ciche.

Stage 6

Once over 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 7

Continue to reach the bridge over the main Inverie River, now on a large track, and continue to reach a t-junction. 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 8

Now simply continue down the main track towards Inverie, passing above forestry and then descending to reach a junction. 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

Route Profile

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