Meall na h-Eilde and Geal Charn, Loch Arkaig

Summary

This pair of Corbetts lying to the north of the foot of Loch Arkaig have a mostly rounded, heathery character. They occupy a great position, however, giving stunning views over Loch Arkaig and Loch Quoich in good conditions towards the rugged peaks of the wild west.

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Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good track to start, stalkers path up glen then pathless heathery hills. Good going on the higher ground.

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 in forestry east of Achnasaul.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NN157892

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6.5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1017m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Meall na h-Eilde
Corbett: Geal Chàrn (Arkaig)

Mapping and GPS

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Walk Description

User reports (11)

WARNING

The parking layby at the start of this walk is currently often in use by forestry vehicles for felling and so may not be available; it may be possible to find further parking (do not block passing spaces) around 500m west along the road.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The walk begins from the bridge over the Allt Dubh near Achnasual on the Loch Arkaig road; there is plenty of space to park in the plantation around 500m along the road to the east. Begin by following a hydro track up the east side of the burn, soon passing through a gate. The track dips to cross a bridge over the Allt Achadh nan Sabhal, before swinging right and winding uphill. Eventually the track leads to a hydro intake; continue on a path beside the Allt Dubh. There are good views up Loch Arkaig.

Stage 2

The path continues for the long pull up the glen of the Allt Dubh; the keenest baggers may divert off to climb Glas Bheinn to the east. Otherwise continue along the path until it peters out in a boggy area at the head of the glen. From here head northeast across several small burns to gain the foot of the southwest shoulder of Meall na h-Eilde.

Stage 3

The shoulder gives an initially fairly steep but straightforward and dry ascent.The slope eases towards point 681m; from here there is a slight dip before the gradual ascent up to Meall na h-Eilde. Excellent views open up, with Ben Nevis prominent amidst a sea of peaks.

Stage 4

Once the summit cairn is reached, the panorama extends to include Loch Ness and Loch Garry. Only the bulk of nearby Meall na Teanga - which looks a grand range of peaks and corries from here - obscures the distant views. To begin the descent, follow a line of fenceposts NNW from the summit, before bearning left for a steeper, stonier descent to the Bealach Choir a'Ghuirein.

Stage 5

Continue by the fenceposts for the steadier ascent up to Meall Coire nan Saobhaibh, which reveals stunning views ahead towards the Rough Bounds of Knoydart. A second, longer descent leads down to the extensive and broad Bealach Càrn na-h-Urchaire.

Stage 6

The ascent up to Geal Chàrn begins steeply at first but becomes easier, arriving directly at the trig point and cairn, with a crowded mass of peaks in the distance above the heads of Loch Arkaig and Loch Quoich.

Stage 7

Descend the broad SSE slopes, keeping to the right of steeper ground, to return to the head of Gleann Allt Dubh. Cross the burn and rejoin the outward route down the stalkers path on the east side of the glen, eventually returning to the start.

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