Càrn Mòr , from Loch Arkaig

Summary

Càrn Mòr is a little known peak amongst the rugged mountains just south of Knoydart, taking the form of an east-west ridge between Glen Dessary and Glen Pean. The western half is as complex and rocky as the renowned Rough Bounds; this route ascends via the east ridge, giving a rugged hillwalk with some good views.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good track initially (a mountain bike could be used for this section), then pathless ascent up steep, boggy hillside. The ridge is mostly grassy but dotted with steep knolls and rocky outcrops.

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

Parking area at end of public road past Loch Arkaig.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NM987915

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6.5 - 7.5 hours
Ascent: 1015m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Càrn Mòr (Glen Dessary)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a parking area at the end of the seemingly endless rollercoaster of a public road near the head of Loch Arkaig. Begin the walk by continuing on the track beyond the vehicle barrier. At the junction, take the track descending left (signed for Glenfinnan and Kinlocheil). This passes well to the right of the house at Strathan and soon crosses a bridge over the River Dessary. The great dome of Sgùrr Thuilm - and the lower, rockier summit of Streap to its left - dominate the views.

Stage 2

Continue on the track as it enters the forestry beyond. 300m into the forest a junction is reached; take the track off to the right here. It now continues through the dense plantations on the south side of Glendessary for several kilometres. Just before the far end of the trees a cairn indicates a detour path that heads downhill through the trees to the right to visit the bothy at A' Chuil. The bothy is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association; please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting. Otherwise, continue on the track to leave the forest.

Stage 3

After leaving the forest, leave the track to ascend the steep, boggy and pathless slopes by the Allt Coir a' Bhoganaich. It doesn't matter which side of the burn you ascend; continue up beyond through Coir' a' Bhoganaich to reach the broad ridge line beyond; a long, hard pull. There are good views looking across the glen towards Sgùrr na Ciche and its neighbours.

Stage 4

The ridge is initially very broad and dotted with peat hags, but continuing west it narrows to a grass ridge with rocky outcrops, ascending over a minor cairned peak at 616m. Càrn Mòr itself still looks quite some distance ahead.

Stage 5

The route then descends in two stages down to a bealach at 542m, before beginning the ascent of the parent mountain beyond. This is initially grassy before slabby rocks lead up to join the NE ridge coming up from Meall nan Spardan. The gradient levels off before the final climb up to Càrn Mòr itself.

Stage 6

Either of two grassy rakes lead up through a rockier section to reach the summit area, with the cairn a short distance beyond - a fine viewpoint with views out west down Loch Morar towards Eigg and Rum, and east back to Loch Arkaig.

Stage 7

The views down to Glen Pean are impressively steep and deter any descent on that side. Instead, the best return is to retrace your steps, with views of Loch Arkaig ahead. It is possible to descend via Coire an Eich but the going is boggy and very rugged - the easier option is to head back over point 616m and use the outward route back down through Coir' a' Bhoganaich by the forest edge.

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