Càrn Ban via Alladale

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Summary

Càrn Ban is one of the most remote Corbetts, though the approach can be greatly eased by use of a mountain bike for the first (and last) 11.5km or more. For those completing the whole distance on foot, there are plenty of possible wild-camping spots. The approach through Gleann Mòr passes through stunning regenerating pine and birch woods. Stalkers' paths aid the ascent and descent whilst the summits are grassy and spacious with stunning views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Landrover tracks for approach, with stalkers path up and down hill. Pathless grassy walking on the summits. Some boggy ground.

Public Transport

None.

Start

Parking area at end of public road to Alladale (near Glencalvie Lodge). Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 38.5km / 24 miles
Time (summer conditions): 11 - 12 hours
Ascent: 935m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH464891

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Càrn Ban

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is a parking area amidst the magnificent Scots pine woods at the end of the public road leading towards Glen Calvie and Alladale, at NH464891. Begin by heading along the track that heads west into the 'Alladale Wilderness Reserve'. Soon a signed boggy path on the left offers a possible short detour to visit the Eas Charron waterfalls. Continuing on the main track, the route runs through stunning Caledonian pinewoods and eventually comes close to the Alladale River which flows through a rocky ravine. Pass between two massive gateposts and continue until a cross-roads of tracks. Turn left here, crossing a bridge over a tributary, then keep ahead on the main track as it crosses a second bridge over the Alladale River.

Stage 2

The track swings right and then cuts back left, climbing through the trees briefly before beginning a gradual descent into beautiful Gleann Mòr . The pines are gradually replaced by birches as the track continues through the glen. The estate has done a great deal of excellent work replanting and regenerating the native woodland here. More distant future plans to erect a high electric fence around the entire estate to contain a captive wolf population and bar access to the public have been more controversial.

Stage 3

The track through the glen continues for kilometre after kilometre. Note an elaborate turf-roofed hide down to the left at one point. Eventually the regenerating part of the glen is left behind and the landscape becomes bleaker. 11.5km from the start the track swings left to cross a bridge over the river. If using a mountain bike, you can continue on the track from here past Deanich Lodge before taking a right turn to eventually return across the river at another bridge. If on foot it is shorter but boggier to follow traces of a path that stay on the north side of the river. After reaching and crossing a footbridge over the Allt Bheargais the track is rejoined.

Stage 4

Continue on the main track up Gleann Beag until a tiny cairn and wooden post at NH338838. Although the first few metres are indistinct, a right turn here soon leads onto a clearer stalkers' path that climbs across the slopes towards the Allt Loch Sruban More. The path forks before the burn is reached; take the right branch to continue climbing on the east side of the burn. Eventually the gradient eases and a small cairn marks the high point of the old stalkers' path (from here it loops west towards the loch and back down the otherside of the burn to return to the fork). Leave the path here and head northwards up the slopes to the southern top of Càrn Ban. The going is surprisingly good underfoot.

Stage 5

Superb views now open up, with Seana Bhraigh looking particularly magnificent to the northwest whilst the Fannichs appear between Beinn Dearg and Am Faochagach to the southwest. The walking is easy on short-cropped grass as the route continues over a minor bump and then a bealach to the middle top at 838m.

Stage 6

After another gentle grassy bealach the slopes rise to the final summit at 842m - marked by a cairn. The outlook northwest towards the isolated peaks of Assynt contrasts strongly with the ranges all around. For the return, retrace your steps almost to the southern top before diverting southeast to pick up the top of another stalkers path to the east of the Alltan Leacach. The path is good at first but becomes waterlogged where it traverses east above the steeper slopes.

Stage 7

Eventually the path becomes drier as it descends a series of sharp zig-zags to reach a track to a dam at the foot of the Allt Bheargais. Follow this track down to reach the track in the glen used on the outward route.

Stage 8

From here you need to retrace the long walk or cycle back down the glen - initially using either the boggy path on the north side or the track via Deanich Lodge. After the second bridge the two alternatives rejoin for the long, long trip back down Gleann Mòr .

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