Beinn Damh (or Ben Damph)

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This popular Corbett offers a stunning introduction to the mountains of Torridon. Beinn Damh is a superb viewpoint for both mountains and sea, and exhibits dramatic Torridonian sandstone architecture without the difficulty of some of its higher neighbours.

Terrain

Excellent stalkers path to begin with, becoming eroded on the steeper slopes to the ridge. From here the path is indistinct but easy to follow in clear conditions over grassy and then stony ground with quartzite rocks on the final ascent..

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park at Torridon Inn, or limited parking on the road near the bend. 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.

Users' reports

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There are 22 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 980m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG889542

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn Damh

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park walk to the left of the main Torridon Inn building, passing through a courtyard. Continue on the track as it leads across a small bridge. On the far side take the signed path to the left ('Hill path'), through the woods. Soon the route crosses the road and climbs up through lovely Scots Pine woods. The path is a well constructed stalker's path which rises steeply before crossing the Allt Dubh on a small stone footbridge.

Stage 2

The path continues to climb and as the woods thin there are good views of the gorge below. At one point a high waterfall can be seen through the trees. Finally the trees are left behind and the path forks; take the right hand branch, heading across heather moorland towards the shoulder in the ridge between Meall Gorm and Beinn Damh.

Stage 3

There are stunning views looking back to Liathach and across Loch Torridon to Beinn Alligin. Higher up the path becomes eroded as it heads into the upper level of the corrie. There is then a steep climb to gain the ridge.

Stage 4

Head up onto the broad ridge; from the far side there are great good views of Loch Damh, Kishorn and the Applecross hills, backed by Skye and the sea. From here it is possible to make an hour long detour to the summit Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire - well worth the effort in good weather; the path is clear over the intervening peak with one steep section on the final climb beyond (out of sight from the bealach).

Stage 5

To continue instead to Beinn Damh aim SSE up the ridge to walk on an initially good path. Soon the path leaves the ridge and skirts the stony southern slopes of the ridge to avoid the worst of the boulders. There are great views looking back down the ridge.

Stage 6

The path eventually peters out and a line of small cairns leads up very stony slopes to regain the ridge at Spidean Toll nam Biast. From here the stony ridge narrows and descends slightly to a final bealach. There are excellent views across the whole of Torridon on the final ascent, with very steep slopes falling down into the coire on your left.

Stage 7

The final climb to the summit cairn is very rocky but straightforward enough, leading to a cairn on the edge of a great abyss - a superb place to take in the magnificent view. Maol Chean-dearg and the peaks of the Coulin Forest look particularly fine from here.

Stage 8

The prospect southwest takes in the Applecross mountains, with Beinn Bhan magnificent, and is backed by the Isle of Skye. North is Loch Torridon and its celebrated sandstone peaks. Other descent routes lead into difficulties, so it is best to retrace your steps - no great hardship in such fantastic surroundings.

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