Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe, from Barrisdale Bay

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Sgurr 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 camp area; 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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.75km / 6 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 932m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG871042

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgurr a' Choire-bheithe

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk is described from Barisdale Bothy and camp area (locally spelt with one 'r'); the only facility here is a toilet and tap. 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, soon crossing a bridge over the River Barrisdale. Further on when the track curves left towards a whitewashed house, keep straight ahead on the old path.

Stage 2

Soon this path forks - the continuation ahead is for Inverie via the Mam Barrisdale; our route turns left onto another stalkers' path that soon runs alongside the river. Cross a bridge and then keep on the path uphill until the fence at the end of the planted area on your left. 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 Sgurr 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 Sgurr 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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