Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe, from Barrisdale Bay

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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.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

None to Barrisdale - and no road access. .

Start

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

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 head uphill to the right of the 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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Sgùrr a' Choire-bheithe, from Barrisdale Bay

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Hillwalking in Winter

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

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