Beinn a' Bheithir via Schoolhouse Ridge

Summary

This magnificent mountain ridgewalk takes in two Munros with truly outstanding views of mountain, sea and loch; a real Scottish classic. The ascent involves some easy scrambling up Schoolhouse Ridge, with an alternative suggested for those not wishing to put hand to rock.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Excellent walking on narrow grassy and rocky ridges higher up. Some scrambling on the ascent, and boggy going on the descent.

Deer Stalking information

Land north-west of Sgor Dhearg-Beinn Bhan ridge and forestry in Gleann a'Chaolais: Forestry and Land Scotland: no stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Ballachulish village car park.

Public Transport

Ballachulish is served by both local and Citilink buses.

Start Grid Ref

NN084584

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.5km / 9.75 miles
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1387m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgòrr Dhearg
Munro: Sgòrr Dhònuill

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Walk Description

User reports (75)

Stage 1

Park in the car park by the Coop and toilets in Ballachulish. This village, famous for centuries of slate quarrying, enjoys a spectacular location by Loch Leven at the foot of Glen Coe. It is dominated by the eastern summit of Beinn a'Bheithir, Sgòrr Bhan, with the route of ascent - Schoolhouse Ridge - in clear view. Begin the walk by following the road from the toilets into the village, keeping straight ahead when the main road bends right next to the pub. Follow the road to the river and cross over this before turning immediately left onto a lane past the school. If you wish to avoid the Schoolhouse Ridge scramble, you can turn right just after the school and follow a boggy track and then an arduous, ever steepening and sometimes pathless slog up the slopes of Beinn Bhan, before rejoining the route we describe at Sgòrr Bhan.

Stage 2

Our route, however, continues along the main track up the glen until it passes through a gate after 750m. Very shortly after this turn right up a path aiming towards Schoolhouse ridge, which looks quite intimidating from below. The path climbs directly towards the ridge, and is steep and direct. The views back over Ballachulish improve all the time, and eventually the going becomes rockier. The first rocky wall, several metres in height, can be climbed straight ahead on good holds, or there's a slightly easier line a few metres to the right. Shortly afterwards is a second, steeper wall, again with good holds; this time there's an obvious easier route to the left up a rocky groove.

Stage 3

Above this the going eases, and there's a final less steep rocky section, and then a steady pull towards Sgòrr Bhan, where the route avoiding the scramble rejoins that described here. Sgòrr Bhan is a fine viewpoint marked with a small cairn, but most eyes will be drawn along the gracefully curving ridge that descends slightly before climbing up towards Sgòrr Dhearg.

Stage 4

Sgòrr Dhearg is the highest of Beinn a'Bheithir's summits at 1024m and is the first Munro of the day. There are few remains of the trig point marked on maps as being at the summit apart from a couple of iron rods sticking out of the cairn. The views are fabulous in all directions, with the great trough of Glen Coe prominent, framed by the curving ridge just traversed.

Stage 5

There's a fine prospect along the ridge to come to Sgòrr Dhònuill. Perhaps the finest best is that of Loch Leven and the Mamores backed by Ben Nevis. Descend the stony ridge WSW which leads gradually down to the bealach, where there are some old iron fence posts, at 760 metres. Begin the climb on the path up the far side.

Stage 6

The first section is up a grassy slope but after a brief gentle section it becomes increasingly rocky. The final ascent looks like an intimidating cone but involves only a very little simple scrambling, though the path is exposed at one point. The summit of Sgòrr Dhònuill is 1001m and is surprisingly spacious after looking so small on the ascent.

Stage 7

It is an even finer viewpoint than Sgòrr Dhearg, with a magnificent vista over outer Loch Linnhe towards the islands of Lismore and Mull; keen eyes can pick out Scarba and even the Paps of Jura further to the south, best seen by detouring a short distance further along the ridge. After enjoying the views, return carefully down the ridge you came up, returning to the bealach.

Stage 8

From the bealach a path begins the descent to the north. It is boggy in places but avoids the crags and keeps fairly close to a line of old fence posts. Eventually a flat, wet and grassy area is reached; the worn route switches to the right side of the fence just after this. The path here is very boggy, but continues beside the fence for some time. After passing another fenceline the path improves, and climbs slightly for a time, with some stone steps. The path becomes very clear and traverses the hillside, eventually passing through a felled area and then forestry plantations. Finally it descends more steeply to reach a forest road.

Stage 9

Go straight across onto the path that continues opposite. Continue down the path to reach another wide forest track. This time ignore the path ahead (this heads to Glenachulish forest car park), and turn right along the track. It climbs very slightly before beginning a very steady descent; ignore the track coming in from the left. There are beautiful views over Loch Leven further along the track, and after rounding a bend, there's a view to the Pap of Glencoe. Ignore the turnings to the right and emerge on the A82 just west of St John's Church. Turn right along the road (there is a pavement) to return to Ballachulish. You can follow the old road through the village by taking a turn on the right, returning to the car park.

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