Càrn na Nathrach, from Glen Hurich

Summary

Càrn na Nathrach lies hidden from most views amongst a group of higher peaks. It is a fine viewpoint, however, and the ascent along its long and rough ridge makes an enjoyable, surprisingly strenuous outing.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track for approach, then rough hillwalking. There is a faint path of sorts but the lower sections are boggy, and all the ridge is rough.

Deer Stalking information

Land to west and north of summit (including Glen Hurich and Gleann an Dubh Choirein approaches) managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. No stalking issues.

Getting there

Start

Parking at NM815673.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NM815673

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.25km / 10.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 886m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Càrn na Nathrach

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Explorer 391 - Ardgour

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

The walk begins where a track branches off the minor road to Polloch at Kinlochan; there is no parking here, and it is best to leave cars a short distance further west along the road. Head down the track, passing some houses and crossing the bridge over the River Hurich. Turn right on the far side, following the forestry track up the glen to the lonely house of Glenhurich.

Stage 2

After the house bear right on the main track to cross a bridge over the River Hurich. On the far side turn left, soon crossing another bridge over the Allt Coire na Craoibhe. Beyond this the track forks; take the right branch, which climbs up through the trees and soon swings back sharp right. Immediately beyond the high point of the track - almost opposite a wider area of track - a tiny cairn marks the start of an indistinct path on the left which climbs through the trees. The path looks uninviting and is overgrown and boggy, but not quite as bad as it first appears. It soon emerges from the trees onto a wet ridge.

Stage 3

This lower part of the ridge gives soggy going, though the faint path remains. The consolation for the toil is the ever improving view back, with Beinn Resipol looking magnificent.

Stage 4

The ridge is long and the going is rough and time-consuming, with many ups and downs. By the time 500m height has been reached the ground has become drier underfoot. At around 600m a deer fence blocked access for some years, though a section has now fallen allowing easy passage.

Stage 5

Beyond this, continue over more lumps into another dip. From here a craggy bluff appears to necessitate a scramble, however there is a direct route up with no difficulties or it can be bypassed by following a deer path to the right and then regain the ridge easily further on. Finally, the tiny summit cairn is reached - a fine viewpoint for the wild peaks of Ardgour all around, with distant Ben Nevis also prominent.

Stage 6

The return route is to retrace your steps all the way back down the ridge.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Ardnamurchan Hotels

Ardnamurchan B&B

Ardnamurchan cottages

Ardnamurchan hostels

Glamping and Camping

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