Beinn na h-Uamha

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Summary

This rather neglected hill lies in very heart of Ardgour. Beinn na h-Uamha may only just scrape Corbett status, but it exhibits the great ruggedness characteristic of the area, with steep rocky slopes and grand views across Loch Linnhe and of nearby Sgùrr Dhònuill and Garbh Bheinn.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Approach walk along a rough landrover track. There is no bridge across the River Gour, and the crossing may be impossible in spate. The ascent itself is pathless, steep and rugged.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Sallachan. 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: 16km / 10 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 835m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM978629

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn na h-Uamha

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The walk begins from Sallachan, around 4km south of Corran, where a minor horseshoe road branches off the main A861. There is space to park with care just to the north of the bridge over the River Gour - take care not to impede any entrances. Begin the walk by crossing the bridge and turning right onto a track on the far sign signed as a right of way to Strontian. Follow the track past a broken dam; soon it reaches Loch nan Ghabhar, with good views to your objective ahead. The rocky knoll across the loch is the site of an iron age fort.

Stage 2

Beyond the loch the track continues, becoming rocky and waterlogged in places (though the water can be avoided to either side). The ruined cottage of Tigh Ghlinneghabhar is seen to the left. Continue up the glen, passing a well-built stone enclosure. At this point the track diverges further from the tree-lined river. After a further kilometre it nears the river again. Leave the track here, heading down across boggy ground to reach the bend in the river. The Gour is unbridged and care is needed to cross - the crossing can become dangerous or impossible when in spate.

Stage 3

On the far bank head north across more boggy ground towards the base of Beinn na h-Uamha's southeast ridge. The climb comes in three distinct stages - the first rocky slope is best tackled by following a shallow grassy gully to the left of the obvious deeper gully filled with trees. Once established on the broad ridge, a series of rocky knolls lead on to the base of the steep rise of Stob an Uillt.

Stage 4

This is best tackled by ascending to the right to avoid the crags, and then climbing steeply west to gain the top. From here the ridge continues upwards, passing several small lochans and giving great views across Loch Linnhe towards the Ballachulish bridge with the mountains of Glencoe beyond.

Stage 5

The final ascent is less steep - mostly a long grind over grass, avoiding any rocks. There are false summits before the cairn marking the true highest point is reached. This is a magnificent viewpoint, with Sgòrr Dhomhnuill - the highest mountain in Ardgour - well seen, though it is craggy Garbh bheinn that impresses most.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps back down the flat shoulder. The return route to Glen Gour can be varied by descending south from the shoulder above the headwaters of the Allt Daraich, keeping to the west side of the burn. Lower down the Allt Daraich forms a ravine - keep to right of it to continue down more open slopes to the floor of the glen. Here aim south across the boggy ground to pick up a faint track which fords the River Gour by some trees at the confluence with the Allt Dubh Bealach nan Aingidh.

Stage 7

On the far side the faint track leads up southwards to join the main track through the glen. Turn left along this to follow the rough and rocky track down Glen Gour, rejoining the outward route and continuing all the way back to the start.

Route Profile

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