Barrisdale Bay walk-in from Kinloch Hourn

Summary

This stunning walk follows the old footpath along the southern shores of Loch Hourn from the head of the loch to Barrisdale Bay. Loch Hourn is perhaps the most beautiful of Scotland's west coast sea lochs and the walk is simply stunning throughout, although the ups and downs are likely to tire those carrying heavy camping gear. The route is described as a one-way walk as many use remote Barrisdale as a camp or bothy base for excursions into the surrounding hills; if just looking for a day walk, head out as far as you wish before retracing steps.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Clear footpath throughout; surface rocky and rough, with lots of ascent and descent. Boggy in places. Not suitable for bikes.

Getting there

Start

Kinloch Hourn.

Public Transport

None to Kinloch Hourn.

Start Grid Ref

NG950065

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.75km / 6.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours one way
Ascent: 528m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The 22km of single track road to Kinloch Hourn has a scary finale in the extremely steep, narrow final descent to the tiny settlement at the head of the loch. Continue past the tearoom/B&B to reach the day and overnight parking area on the left - there is a charge. Begin the walk by continuing along the road, soon running alongside the upper section of Loch Hourn.

Stage 2

After a tiny turning area by a jetty the road ends, and the walk continues along a beautifully constructed old footpath just above the tidal shores of Loch Hourn. The path is very rocky here as the slopes enclosing the loch as so steep, but the landscape is spectacular. Soon the path leads through some dense rhododendrons and on past the narrows of Caolas an Loch Bhig - as the uppermost section of Loch Hourn is known.

Stage 3

As the flat green ground around the tiny house at Skiary is approached there is a gate in a fence - do not pass through, instead staying on the path as it climbs to the left of the fence. It crosses a footbridge over a burn and then descends back towards the loch beyond Skiary - with views to the house looking back.

Stage 4

Next is perhaps the most strenuous section of the path. After almost reaching the shore, it climbs up to a height of over 100m, giving fine views up and down the loch. It then descends right back to the shore at Camas Ban, crossing a tiny burn, before climbing again, this time to around 110m, to pass above the steep crag of Creag Raonabhal that guards the shoreline.

Stage 5

After cresting this rise the path descends once again, now above the isolated old farmstead of Runival; the shoreline is reached beyond Runival and there are great views looking back. The next section of the path undulates but never climbs far from the loch - at times it's ingeniously constructed through the trees above a sheer drop to the water.

Stage 6

There's a section that runs right along the shoreline, passing some magnificent old pines as well as all the birchwoods. As the route approachs the narrows of Caolas Mòr it climbs a little once more. Eventually the path crosses a footbridge and then climbs gradually, with particularly fine views looking back.

Stage 7

After reaching a minor high point another well constructed section of path gracefully curves for a downhill to reach the landrover track along the shores of Barrisdale Bay, passing some old ruins.

Stage 8

Ladhar Bheinn looks quite magnificent across the bay. The track to the right leads to a landing pier for local boats; our route turns left, soon bringing into view another fine mountain - Luinne Bheinn.

Stage 9

As the Barrisdale Bay area is so popular for camping, visitors are asked to camp at the campsite opposite the bothy so as to be able to use the toilet facilities and water supply and protect the local environment - there's a small charge to camp or stay in the bothy. To reach either, follow the track inland, passing the grand house and then cottage to reach the long stone building that houses the bothy and toilet; the camping area is on the left side of the track here. Note that there are no other facilities or transport at Barrisdale.

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