Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe, from Barrisdale Bay

Summary

Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe is one of the highest and most remote of the Corbetts. The route described here is the most straightforward, up an easy-angled grassy ridge from Barrisdale Bay on the Knoydart peninsula. There is no road access to Barrisdale - which is a 4 hour walk-in from Kinloch Hourn.

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

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Stalkers' path initially, then long, mostly grassy ridge.

Getting there

Start

Barrisdale Bay bothy and campsite; note nearest road is Kinloch Hourn, 4 hours walk away.

Public Transport

None to Barrisdale - and no road access. .

Start Grid Ref

NG871042

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 932m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe

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Explorer 413 - Knoydart

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Walk Description

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WARNING

A new fenceline has been constructed at the end of Stage 2. There is a gate through it, but looking at the plans it may be easier to stay on the stalkers path slightly longer and then follow the new fenceline until it crosses the ridge higher up. If anyone visiting could get in touch - and even better record a GPX of the line of the new fence if they decide to follow it - that would be hugely appreciated so we can update the route.

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

Stage 1

The walk is described from Barisdale Bothy and campsite (locally spelt with one 'r'); the only other facility here is a toilet and tap - small charge for camping or staying in the bothy. The walk-in to Barrisdale Bay from the nearest road at Kinloch Hourn is described separately. From the bothy, begin the walk by heading south along the main track towards Inverie past the barn and solar panels. Soon cross a bridge over the River Barrisdale and turn left. Stay on the track when it curves left towards a whitewashed cottage, the path ahead leads to Inverie via the Mam Barrisdale.

Stage 2

At the track junction after the cottage, turn right at a curious pyramid-shaped structure and follow it alongside the river. At a fork take the smaller path on the left to cross a bridge and keep on the path uphill until the fence at the end of the planted area on your left is reached. Leave the path here and pass through the gate on your left. Now head uphill, keeping to the right of a fenceline.

Stage 3

There are only faint traces of a path in places; the going underfoot can be wet at times but mostly the going is decent. Continue up the slope, eventually leaving the fences and trees behind and joining the mostly grassy NW ridge of Sgùrr a' Choire Bheithe. The ascent of this ridge is mostly fairly easy angled, passing over various minor bumps along the way.

Stage 4

There is a superb view over Barrisdale Bay to Beinn Sgritheall for almost the entire ascent. Further on the ridge steepens slightly, and the ascent can seem pretty interminable.

Stage 5

A minor summit is reached at 816m. From here the ridge turns east and descends very slightly before the final climb to the true summit of Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe.

Stage 6

A tiny cairn marks the highest point. This is one of the most remote Corbetts, and the views take in most of the Knoydart mountains, with a view out along Loch Quoich coming into view at the last moment. The rocky east ridge forms a dramatic foreground - long, very rocky and with some minor scrambling, a full traverse is regarded as a major challenge.

Stage 7

Instead our route returns to Barrisdale and its bothy / camping area by retracing the route of ascent.

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