Sgùrr Dhomhnuill via Ariundle Oakwoods

Summary

Sgùrr Dhomhnuill is the highest mountain in Ardgour; a steep-sided, conical peak at the heart of a wild and rugged area. The Ariundle Oakwoods provide a magnificent approach.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Excellent track/path to mine, then rough, boggy and bumpy ridge, traces of paths; steep but no scrambling. Bridge over Allt Ruighe Spardail at Stage 2 is in a very dilapidated state over a deep burn that could be dangerous if you can't cross the bridge.

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

Ariundle Oakwoods car park.

Public Transport

None to start; infrequent bus to Strontian 3km away.

Start Grid Ref

NM825633

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.75km / 11 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8.5 hours
Ascent: 913m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgùrr Dhomhnuill

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Explorer 391 - Ardgour

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

There is a large car park at the entrance to Ariundle Oakwoods. Begin by heading along the track (the continuation of the road) into the woods. A National Nature Reserve, Ariundle Oakwoods are a splendid remnant of the original native oak woods that once stretched along much of the west coast of Scotland (and indeed, from Spain to Norway). As well as the oaks, there are Scots pine, birches, hazel, rowan, holly, willow and ash - and the woods are home to rare lichens, mosses and insects.

Stage 2

Cross a bridge and ignore trails heading off to the right and left. After just under 3km the route passes through a gate and then forks - keep to the higher, left hand branch ahead. Further on is a second gate, and then the route - now a good path - crosses a decaying bridge (take great care), high over the tumbling waters of the Allt Ruighe Spardail. The path then emerges from the trees, giving superb views to Sgùrr na h-Iginn (crossed on our route) and Sgùrr a'Chaorainn.

Stage 3

Continue along the path until it comes alongside the spoil and workings of the long-abandoned Strontian lead mines. Leave the path here, heading across the old mines area before bearing left along a raised embankment to reach the Allt Feith Dhomhnuill (burn) near a small heap of spoil on the near bank. This is where the route fords the burn - the bridge shown downstream on OS 1:25k maps has long since been swept away. In spate conditions the crossing could become dangerous or impossible; there are easier spots further upstream and the route could then be rejoined in the next paragraph. Otherwise, on the far side a path leads briefly east before petering out into boggy ground with coarse grasses.

Stage 4

Continue up onto the lower part of the Druim Leac a'Sgiathain ridge; the ridge line is indistinct at first and terrain could be confusing in mist. As height is gained, stunning views open up behind, looking back over Ariundle Oakwoods to Loch Sunart and beyond. The going eventually improves as the gradient eases.

Stage 5

The ridge undulates over several bumps and passes a couple of lochans, with views to Sgùrr Dhomhnuill to the left, Sgùrr na h-Ighinn ahead and Sgùrr a'Chaorainn - the western summit of Beinn na h-Uamha - to the right.

Stage 6

The ridge steepends once more for the final ascent to Sgùrr na h-Ighinn. Though a fine rocky peak, it is simple enough to avoid any scrambling. The views from the tiny cairn are magnificent, with the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum visible over Acharacle. Descend the relatively gentle northeast ridge to the bealach.

Stage 7

The ascent to Sgùrr Dhomnuill is split into two stages with a brief flat section between. The first part of the climb is up a wide and easy grassy gully which splits the outcrops. The second section appears very steep, but a grassy rake slants uphill to the right to pass beneath some crags before steep - but straightforward and grassier - slopes lead up to the final ridge and the massive summit cairn.

Stage 8

It is possible to descent the extremely steep and rocky slope to the Glas Bhealach and head along the Druim Garbh ridge to eventually reach the highest point of the road between Ariundle and Polloch. However, the simplest and perhaps most enjoyable return is to retrace the outward route. Once back on the bealach, it is possible to bypass Sgùrr na h-Ighinn by a fairly obvious line across its northern side, before continuing on down the ridge back to the mine and to Ariundle.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Ardnamurchan Hotels

Ardnamurchan B&B

Ardnamurchan cottages

Ardnamurchan hostels

Glamping and Camping

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