Braigh nan Uamhachan, near Glenfinnan

Summary

Braigh nan Uamhachan may lack the height and drama of its neighbouring Corbett, Streap, but after a demanding initial climb it rewards with fine views of the mountains all around.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Track for approach. Steep, pathless ascent to ridge, then difficult tussocky ground before going improves on ridge walk to summit.

Deer Stalking information

Land to south of summit and Gualann nan Osna: Fassfern Estate. Stalking between late Aug and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. If further information is needed, please phone 07767 267443 24 hours in advance.

Getting there

Start

Parking off the A830 just west of bridge over the Dubh Lighe.

Public Transport

Buses to Mallaig pass the start of the walk.

Start Grid Ref

NM929798

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.75km / 11.75 miles
Time: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1038m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Braigh nan Uamhachan

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a small car park (signed Craigag car park) maintained by the Fassfern estate off to the north side of the A830 just west of the bridge over the Dubh Lighe. Begin the walk by returning to the road, heading east towards the bridge and then turning left onto an estate track. Go through a stile next to the locked gate and carry on along the estate road which follows the west bank of the Dubh Lighe for 3km; the burn has some attractive waterfalls along the way. Eventually a junction is reached; turn right down to a bridge.

Stage 2

On the far side the track swings left and climbs up to reach Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy. This is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association, and has been rebuilt following its destruction by fire. Please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 3

Continue along the track - with excellent views of Streap at the head of the glen. The route descends and eventually leaves the forest at a gate. Once out onto the open hill leave the track and turn right, heading directly up the steep and pathless slopes parallel to the fence - this section is a real slog. Higher up the gradient eases but the ground becomes tussocky, giving tedious going, before improving somewhat.

Stage 4

Aim up the broad and fairly featureless slopes to climb Na h-Uamnachan - tricky to navigate in poor visibility, especially on descent. There are now great views to Gulvain on the opposite side of the ridge. Fenceposts accompany the walk down into the next bealach, losing around 100m in height.

Stage 5

Once at the bealach the line of fence posts are replaced by a substantial stone wall. This is followed up and over Sròn Liath.

Stage 6

There is a short steep descent of 20m or so before the final climb to the summit of Braigh nan Uamhachan begins. The wall soon turns off to the left; continue up the slope to reach the top, which has two summits a short distance apart. The cairn is on the first, but the second summit has the more dramatic position.

Stage 7

The return is back the same way. It is possible to descend to Gleann Fionnlighe from the bealach between the summit and na h-Uamhachan, but this route emerges 3km east on the road from the start - and the A830 is too busy with traffic to negotiate safely.

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