Beinn na Caillich, from Inverie

Summary

Beinn na Caillich is the most westerly of Knoydart's main hills, and is perhaps the Corbett furthest from the UK road network. The ferry to Inverie, however, makes it into a daywalk of reasonable length. The summit plateau is uncharacteristic of Knoydart, but the distant views are superb.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Landrover track for approach and return, and stalkers' path up to the Allt Mam Li. Between is pathless with some rugged ground.

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.

Getting there

Start

Inverie, Knoydart peninsula.

Public Transport

Ferry to Inverie from Mallaig.

Start Grid Ref

NG765001

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.5km / 13.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1048m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn na Caillich

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From the ferry pier in Inverie turn right along the road, then take a track on the left that heads uphill to the left of the white building with the mural on the side. The track soon bends left and climbs steeply through the woodland that surrounds Inverie; looking back there are glimpses of views across the bay. Keep straight on at a cross-tracks, eventually leaving the woods and passing through a gate before continuing across the moorland of the Mam Uidhe.

Stage 2

Eventually the track comes alongside a second area of forestry. Turn right at a junction at the Folach Gate, following a track that gently descends through the trees, through another gate and then into an open glen with Ladhar Bheinn dominant ahead. Eventually the track runs close by the Allt Coire Torr an Asgaill. It is possible to make a slight shortcut by fording this just after the confluence with the Abhainn Bheag, but it's easier just to continue until the track crosses a bridge and then immediately turn left on a boggy path back to the confluence. A good stalkers path now leads uphill along the east side of the Abhainn Bheag.

Stage 3

The path gives excellent walking on this section, climbing past the Eas a' Chaorainn - an attractive waterfall. After a little less than 2km the path forks - take the left, grassier branch that slopes down to and then crosses the burn; from here on the going is much boggier underfoot.

Stage 4

Continue on the old path up towards the Mam Li. Eventually it fades out; follow a feeder burn northwards and then west to meet the foot of the Càrn Dubh spur that swings down from Beinn na Caillich. Head up this spur; soon fine views begin to open up at last across Loch Hourn to the north.

Stage 5

The ascent is mostly on grass or easy-angled slabby rocks, and leads up to finally reach the summit of Beinn na Caillich - one of the most remote Corbetts, and probably the furthest walk from the UK road network.

Stage 6

The summit is quite extensive and uncharacteristic of the Rough Bounds of Knoydart, but the views are still superb, especially to Rum, Eigg, and the Cuillin of Skye if the day is clear. Continue the walk by heading across the plateau, which narrows slightly towards the bealach above Creagan Dubh-choire.

Stage 7

From here it's possible to descend southwards and then southeast back to the Abhainn Bheag, but our route continues by crossing Meall an t'Searraich to keep the best views ahead. From here make a descent WSW, aiming for the bridge over the Abhainn Inbhir Ghiuserein in the glen far below. It's possible to avoid most of the rocky ground if care is taken. Much further down a deer fence is reached, enclosing an area of regenerating woodland. Turn right to pass around the north side of this enclosure.

Stage 8

Continue round the enclosure and then down to the landrover track, then turn left along this to cross the bridge. The track now climbs uphill briefly before continuing above the forestry, rejoining the outward route at the track junction at Folach Gate. Continue south on the track to return to Inverie.

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