Barrisdale Bay to Morvich

Summary

At 33km with significant ascent, this leg may be best split over two days, perhaps with a break at Kinloch Hourn. After travelling the rollercoaster coastal path from Barrisdale Bay the small seasonal tearoom will certainly be a welcome sight. After Kinloch Hourn the route leads over boggy trackless ground to cross the Forcan Ridge between a pair of tempting Munros before dropping to civilisation at Shiel Bridge.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mainly rough, boggy footpaths and pathless terrain; short sections of surfaced road.

Public Transport

No road access to Barrisdale Bay. Shiel Bridge / Morvich are well served by Citylink buses between Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness and Skye.

Start

Barrisdale Bay. 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: 33km / 20.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 9 - 11 hours
Ascent: 1417m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG871042

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Leave the sanctuary of the Barrisdale bothy/campsite and head north along the vehicle track, passing the estate buildings and bearing left then right to run close to the shore. After 1km watch for a small cairn marking a footpath branching off to the right, well before the boat house at the end of the track.

Stage 2

Head steeply uphill along the clear path, enjoying the views back over Loch Hourn and ahead through the narrows to Loch Beag as the path climbs and descends over the next 8km. Despite the modest distance the rollercoaster nature of this path means it takes most walkers around 4 hours to traverse. It is exceptionally beautiful throughout - one of Scotland's finest paths.

Stage 3

Arriving at the surfaced road look out for the tearoom in the farm buildings by the car parks - this is open during the summer months and also offers accommodation (booked in advance). Continue along the road and cross the bridge on the left - the estate allow camping on this field for a nominal fee (ask in the tearoom). Go through the white gate and past the stalker's cottage before turning right and up a steep track through the woods.

Stage 4

The track emerges from the trees at a gate, and then climbs towards the Cadha Mor; the track surface is rough in places. At the high point ignore a couple of stalkers' paths off right. Continue down the far side for 400m before leaving the pylon line to branch right on a stalkers path. This contours the hillside before curving right to gently ascend into Coire Reidh.

Stage 5

Pass an attractively-situated wooden hut and cross the river before bearing left to contour around the southwest slope of Sgùrr na Sgine and into Coire Mhalagain below the imposing Forcan Ridge. The path becomes fainter and the terrain boggier as it approaches the Allt Coire Mhalagain in the bottom of the glen - cross the burn and continue along the intermittent moist path as it heads northeast on the west side of the burn. It's hard to keep track of the path so don't try too hard, and make for Bealach Coire Mhalagain situated between The Saddle and Sgùrr na Sgine.

Stage 6

Aim to be on the north (left) side of the lochan at the bealach and turn left along the baggers' path to reach a small cairn above a prominent line of stones - follow this bouldery path to skirt below the eastern buttress of Sgùrr nan Forcan and onto a clear path over Meallan Odhar. The more prominent path turns right to drop down to the A87 - turn left instead along a faint path which drops down into Coire Caol - this peters out but can be picked up again towards the bottom of the glen, though it's a pretty boggy experience regardless.

Stage 7

Cross the Allt Undalain at an appropriate point onto a good path running north along the glen. In time this path passes the campsite at Shiel Bridge before arriving at a surfaced road. Turn right and pass the petrol station and shop by the A87 road. Turn left and follow the pavement along the road towards the head of Loch Duich. Pass the Kintail Lodge hotel and bunkhouse and up a grassy track which bypasses the narrow road cutting before rejoining the pavement further along the road.

Stage 8

Cross the A87 after passing a craft centre and proceed along a quiet minor road. Turn right after 1.7km to reach the Caravan Club campsite at Morvich.

Next stage: Morvich to Maol Bhuidhe

Route: Phil Turner

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