CWT Knoydart variant 2: Inverie to Barrisdale Bay

Summary

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.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

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 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: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 524m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG766000

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

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

After passing the far end of the loch the track becomes a path, and there follows a very wet section as the ascent to the pass begins in earnest. Higher up the path improves and the gradient is fairly steady as the path traverses the slopes, crossing several tributaries. One of the bridges is missing so care is needed at this point. Beyond, the path leads up 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 the path gives really excellent going, with footbridges over several feeder burns. Further on the route descends through scattered regenerating woodland.

Stage 6

Barrisdale Bay itself doesn't come into view until quite low. Once down to the flat floor of the glen, the path soon joins a vehicle track. Continue to reach a bridge over the River Barrisdale. A short distance beyond are the estate bothy and campsite (with tap and toilet but no showers).

Next stage: Barrisdale Bay to Morvich

Route Profile

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