Beinn Fhada (or Ben Attow)

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Beinn Fhada is a mountain of great bulk. Whilst it may lack the graceful ridges elsewhere in Kintail, an ascent reveals its true character and complexity, with some magnificent northern corries.

Terrain

A stalkers path gives a fairly straightforward route to the plateau, but crossing the plateau itself requires good navigation skills. The alternative descent involves a slabby scramble; in wet weather it should be avoided and the ascent route retraced.

Public Transport

Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 (request stop at drivers discretion).

Start

Morvich. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Turn off the A87 at Morvich, and park at the National Trust for Scotland Morvich countryside centre, opposite Morvich Caravan Club site. Start by walking along the continuation of the road until the turning space at the end, then cross the bridge at Innichro. Keep ahead on the track on the far side before looking out for a signed path which heads off right after 60m. The path is clear to follow, passing through a couple of gates and before continuing up the glen above the Abhainn Chonaig. After a couple of kilometres keep right at a fork.

Ben Fhada seen from Loch Duich

Stage 2

The old path now climbs gently up the glen. As the glen is ascended it takes on an increasingly wild character. For the most part the route keeps well above the river. The Allt a Choire Chaoil can usually be crossed on boulders, though it may be difficult or dangerous in spate. The stalkers path then climbs several zigzags en route for the Bealach an Sgairne.

Stage 3

Above the zigzags turn right at a cairn (the left path heads for the bealach); the now smaller but still very clear stalkers' path contours round into the lower reaches of Coire an Sgairne. The scenery in this hidden corrie is impressive, as are the views across to the jagged Sgùrr a Choire Ghairbh over to the right (this ridge can be used in descent). Continue up the stalkers path until it fades as it reaches the broad Sgùrr an Doire Leathain ridge. Continue up this ridge, which soon broadens into a sweeping plateau. Navigation could be difficult here in mist.

Stage 4

The summit of Beinn Fhada is to the southeast; it is possible to walk round the northern edge of the plateau to reach it, giving fine views of Loch a Bhealaich. A cylindrical trig point marks the summit, a Munro at 1032 metres. The easiest option for the descent is to reverse the route of ascent. It is also possible to head south and then east, traversing the mountain before descending to the upper reaches of Glen Affric, but this is not practical unless one is planning on camping or staying in the bothy or hostel in that glen.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 5

A third option, which makes a fine circular walk, is to descent via the Sgùrr a Choire Ghairbh ridge; this involves a slabby scramble at one point which would be difficult in the wet. This awkward section is easier tackled in this direction however. If descending via this alternative route, head west initially across the wide plateau of the Plaide Mhor. The plateau slopes downhill for some distance before ascending to the Top of Meall an Fhuarain Mhòir. From here, the plateau narrows dramatically to form a fine ridge.

Photo: yokehead

Stage 6

There is a steep descent to the Bealach an t-Sealgaire (Hunter's Pass), but it is the ascent up the far side of this pass which forms the awkward scramble, to Sgùrr a Choire Ghairbh. From here, the undulating ridge is followed round over a series of knobbly summits before a steeper rocky descent is made, heading down towards the minor bump of Bheinn Bhuidhe. From here the ridge continues to curve to the left, before more featureless slopes are descended towards the foot of Gleann Lichd. Turn left along the path in the glen and follow it to a track, then turn left again and follow this to cross the bridge at Inchnacro and follow the tarred road back to Morvich.

Photo: yokehead

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Beinn Fhada (or Ben Attow)

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Summits Climbed

Mapping and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Ben Fhada seen from Loch Duich

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Photo: yokehead

Stage 5

Photo: yokehead

Stage 6

Photo: yokehead

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