Garbh Bheinn of Ardgour

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Summary

Garbh Bheinn is a magnificent mountain, rough as any in Ardgour and famed for the great climbing crags on its eastern flanks. The route described here is out and back along the Sròn a' Gharbh Choire Bhig ridge which offers superlative views throughout.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Intermittent path up the ridge, mix of some boggy ground and outcropping rock. There is some very simple scrambling.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

A861 at bridge over Abhainn Coire an Iubhair, near Inversanda. 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: 8km / 5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 978m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM927597

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Garbh Bheinn

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (15)

Stage 1

The route described here is probably the finest short route to Garbh Bheinn - a much longer alternative is the horseshoe of ridges around Coire an Iubhair which is best tackled anti-clockwise so as to take a very steep gully in ascent; this route would then be used for the descent. A loop of old road branches off the A861 just east of the bridge over the Allt Coire an Iubhair - turn onto this and there are several places to park. The walk begins on a path immediately on the west side of the old bridge. It is boggy at first and aims straight for the foot of the ridge and begins climbing.

Stage 2

As height is gained stunning views open up behind over Loch Linnhe towards Beinn a'Bheithir and the peaks of Glencoe. Soon the path reaches a steep rocky section where some minor scrambling is required; further on it heads up an easy rocky gully. The next set of crags appear to be a more serious obstacle but here the path bypasses the steeper rocks to the left side.

Stage 3

From here on the ridge remains very rocky but is broad with fewer very steep sections - only walking is required. The views increasingly open up, with Ben Nevis becoming prominent, and a striking view opening up down Loch Sunart. Eventually the cairn marking the south summit - point 823m - is reached, revealing a sudden first view of the summit of Garbh Bheinn across the next bealach, perched on the edge of its great eastern cliffs.

Stage 4

From the south summit there is only an intermittent path that leads down rocky slopes into the bealach, where a cairn sits at the top of a gully dropping into Garbh Choire Mòr . From further back the next section climbing up onto Garbh Bheinn looked intimidatingly steep but in fact the ascent is relatively gentle, a path from the cairn slants left and climbs up to the west side of the peak.

Stage 5

Eventually the path cuts right to head up a grassy break in the rocks and easily head up to the summit of Garbh Bheinn - the cairn is at the far end of a short ridge, right by the eastern precipice. The views in all directions are simply superb; in addition to those enjoyed on the ascent, vistas now open up over the mountains of Ardgour and out to the islands of Mull, Eigg, Rum and Skye.

Stage 6

The best descent route is to return the same way back down the ridge, this time with the glorious views ahead. Those wishing to extend the walk would be best to head round the horseshoe anti-clockwise, finishing with Garbh bheinn and descending this ridge to avoid having to descend a steep gully to the Bealach Feith 'n Amean.

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