CWT Knoydart variant 2: Inverie to Barrisdale Bay

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This route heads back to the main Cape Wrath Trail by leaving Inverie by the track up Gleann an Dubh-Lochain, continuing to cross the Màm Barrisdale via a old hill path. The route then descends to Barrisdale Bay; the stage is shorter and some may opt to continue to Kinloch Hourn.

Terrain

Clear tracks and hill paths, boggy in places.

Public Transport

No road access; ferry service to Inverie from Mallaig.

Start

Old Forge, Inverie. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the Old Forge pub, continue south along the Inverie road, passing the tea room and shop as well as a memorial to the Seven Men of Knoydart - land-raiders who staked out claims for crofts on Knoydart after World War 2; they lost their case but won massive public sympathy. Continue through the woodland until the road bends right and a track continues ahead - take the track, which is signed as a right of way to Kinlochhourn and Strathan.

Stage 2

It climbs through the trees to reach another junction; fork right here through the gate, continuing on a track along the top of the forestry and then slightly downhill, through an open stretch and then another brief block of forest. Further on there is a prominent memorial up to the left - this was placed here by Lord Brocket to commemorate his father. A Nazi-sympathiser, Brocket was Laird here at the time of the land raids.

Stage 3

Ignore the track which branches off for Gleann Meadail and continue, eventually reaching the surprisingly expansive waters of Loch an Dubh-Lochain.

Stage 4

From the loch shores there is a short very wet section as ascent to the pass begins in earnest, but the path soon improves and the gradient is fairly steady as the path traverses the slopes to reach the cairn marking the summit of the Màm Barrisdale, with great views back down the glen.

Stage 5

The descent is a little steeper but still keeps to the old path, with footbridges over several feeder burns. The route descends through scattered trees with the stunning Barrisdale Bay seen ahead.

Stage 6

Once down to the flat floor of the glen, the path continues and soon joins a vehicle track. Continue to reach a bridge over the River Barrisdale. A short distance beyond are estate bothy and campsite - for which there is a small charge (please note there are no other facilities) - a beautiful place to relax.

Next stage: Barrisdale Bay to Morvich

Route: Phil Turner

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CWT Knoydart variant 2: Inverie to Barrisdale Bay

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Mapping and GPS

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