Aonach Buidhe, via Glen Elchaig

Summary

Aonach Buidhe is a remote Corbett at the heart of one of the wildest parts of the Highlands. The easiest approach is along beautiful Glen Elchaig - greatly eased by the user of a mountain bike (saving four hours off the time given). The upper slopes on this route are undistinguished.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Excellent track up Glen Elchaig to near Iron Lodge - use of a mountain bike will save alot of time. Beyond the track the initial ascent is on very steep grass; the upper slopes are gentler but boggier.

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

Killilan.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NG940303

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 33km / 20.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 9 - 10 hours
Ascent: 965m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Aonach Buidhe

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There is parking on the left at the start of the private section of road to Killilan. Start the walk by contiuing along the tarmac road, reaching the hamlet of Killilan after around 500 metres. Continue past the phone box and over the bridge, following the tarred road as it leads up the lower glen. After several kilometres the route becomes a track, and leads through a gate. The track rises and falls gently as it continues up the glen.

Stage 2

There is usually a herd of Highland cattle resident in the glen - often complete with bull, but the landscape is as beautiful as any glen in the Highlands. After 9km the track leads past Loch na Leitreach, and then the house at Carnach.

Stage 3

Continue for another couple of kilometres until the track forks. The main branch here heads right to Iron Lodge just across the river, but our route continues on the rougher track ahead - if you've used a mountain bike, this is as good a spot as any to leave it. Continue along the rough route ahead to another fork - and this time take the right hand branch. This leads down to a footbridge over the An Crom-allt.

Stage 4

Cross this and continue on the stalkers path for around 300m further until a good place to strike off northwards up the grassy slopes. This initial part of the ascent is very steep but any outcrops can be avoided. The reward for the hard work is a stunning view looking back down Glen Elchaig.

Stage 5

After the first shoulder the gradient relents, before steepening again (but not so dramatically) to reach a second shoulder at around 600m. The remainder of the ascent is gradual and fairly featureless, with boggy conditions underfoot in places. It ends at the large summit cairn.

Stage 6

The views are good, with the dramatic corries of the north side of the mountain contrasting with the southern slopes just ascended. Tiny Maol-bhuidhe bothy can be seen as a white speck beside Loch Cruoshie.

Stage 7

The easiest return route is to retrace your steps back down the mountain and out once more along the lovely but very long miles of Glen Elchaig to return to the start.

Route Profile

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