Beinn Bhuidhe, from Inverie

Summary

Beinn Bhuidhe forms a long and rugged ridge rising above the north side of Loch Nevis on the Knoydart peninsula. It makes for a grand hillwalk with truly magnificent views.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Stalkers path for approach, then pathless going with some boggy ground lower down. The climb up rocky Sgùrr an t-Sagairt is very steep but avoids any real scrambling.

Deer Stalking information

Land north of Beinn Bhuidhe: Kilchoan Estate. Stalking takes place from 15 Aug to 15 Feb. No stalking on Saturdays or Sundays. No stalking from 21 Dec to 3 January.

Getting there

Start

Inverie, Knoydart peninsula.

Public Transport

Ferry to Inverie from Mallaig.

Start Grid Ref

NG765001

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.5km / 12 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1120m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Bhuidhe

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From the landing pier in Inverie, turn right along the road passing the Old Forge pub, the tea room and shop as well as a memorial to the Seven Men of Knoydart - land-raiders who staked out claims for crofts on Knoydart after World War 2; they lost their case but won massive public sympathy. Continue through the woodland until the road bends right and a track continues ahead - take the track, which is signed as a right of way to Kinlochhourn and Strathan. It climbs through the trees to reach another junction; fork right here through the gate, continuing on a track along the top of the forestry and then slightly downhill, through an open stretch and then another brief block of forest.

Stage 2

Ignore a track off to the right down to the river. Soon the main track leads past a prominent memorial up to the 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. Further on turn right onto a grassy track. This crosses the glen floor to reach a footbridge over the Inverie River. Cross this and continue, soon passing Druim bothy - privately-owned, this is kept locked and is available for rental.

Stage 3

The path soon leads across another footbridge, this time across the Allt Gleann Meadail, to enter the lower reaches of Gleann Meadail. Stay on the excellent stalkers' path which ascends the north side of the glen, mostly keeping well above the burn; Beinn Bhuidhe looks very impressive south across the glen. Continue on the stalkers' path until around NM832980 where it comes very close to the burn. Leave the path and cross the burn here, then aim up the slopes towards the Mam Uchd - a pass on the skyline. There is no path but the going is reasonable.

Stage 4

At the top turn right along the broad ridge, mostly grassy with rocky outcrops. The ridge climbs steadily, and there are views southwards at times down to Loch Nevis. Further on the going becomes rockier, and the final peak of Sgùrr an t-Sagairt looks like a formidable obstacle. However, if you keep a little left at the foot of the rocky cone then traces of a path lead up avoiding any real scrambling - though still very steep.

Stage 5

Looking back there are sensational views down to the wild head of Loch Nevis, with the great peak of Sgùrr na Ciche and its neighbours looking quite magnificent. Continue along the ridge with only a slight descent before the final climb to the summit of Beinn Bhuidhe - marked with a cylindrical trig point in a state of disintegration.

Stage 6

The ridge ahead beckons onwards; the terrain is actually quite grassy giving good going and superlative views ahead to Skye and the Small Isles. It is possible to bypass the next peak - Sgùrr a' Choire Ghuirm - on the southern flank to regain the ridge beyond, but the effort saved is negligable. Beyond it the ridge leads down to the Bealach Buidhe.

Stage 7

Climb up to the next peak at 787m - this is commonly known as Sgùrr Coire nan Gobhar although the map places the name at the next slightly lower summit beyond. There is now a superb view down to Inverie - a verdant green refuge in a wild and harsh landscape.

Stage 8

From the further, lower summit follow the ridge as it turns southwest for 600m or so, until it becomes easier to descend towards the gap between Loch Lagain Loisgte and Loch Bhraomisaig. The descent is fairly steep at first but becomes easier and somewhat boggy. Pass between the two lochs, then aim north, rising slightly across moorland before beginning the final descent.

Stage 9

A burn provides a good guide on the descent towards Kilchaon, which can be overgrown with bracken in places in high summer. There's a deer fence just to the right of the highest of Kilchoan's houses - aim for the gate. Pick up a track which heads towards the Kilchaon farmhouse, then take a grassier track which forks left down to and through an area of trees. This leads past the Kilchaon Estate office and farm shop; continue on the track to reach the bridge over the river. Cross this and continue straight ahead; eventually the track becomes the tarred road through Inverie and leads back to the start.

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