Beinn a' Chaisgein Mòr, via Carnmore from Poolewe

Summary

Beinn a' Chaisgein Mòr is a truly remote mountain, well hidden from most roads at the very heart of the great Fisherfield Forest. It can be approached from Gruinard to the north but the route given here makes use of the superb stalkers paths leading to the dramatic causeway between the Fionn Loch and the Dubh Loch near Carnmore. Most walkers will opt to either wildcamp near the causeway, or use the very basic shelter at Carnmore Stable. Cycling is also a good option with easy approach as far as the woods above Kernsary, then muddy track and single track suitable for MTB to Fionn Loch.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track, then excellent stalkers path all the way to the bealach below the final slopes. Above this the final slopes are pathless and rough.

Deer Stalking information

All land west of Creag na Sgoinne, Creag-mheall Mor and Cadhachan Riabhach, including summit of Beinn a’Chaisgein Mor: Letterewe Estate. Stalking between last week in Aug and 20 Oct. No stalking on Saturdays or Sundays. If further information is needed, please phone 01445 760207 or e-mail [email protected]

Getting there

Start

Car park in Poolewe.

Public Transport

Bus to Poolewe.

Start Grid Ref

NG858808

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 45km / 28 miles
Time: 13 - 14 hours
Ascent: 1280m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn a' Chaisgein Mòr

Mapping and GPS

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Turn down the minor road from the north side of the bridge in Poolewe; there is then a small car park on the left. Begin the epic approach walk by continuing along this tarred minor road, which soon becomes a private one. The road follows the beautifully wooded Poolewe River at first; there are two gates, but if locked there are stiles alongside. When the road forks, take the left track - signed Kernsary Estate. The now rougher track climbs a little and gives views across Loch Kernsary.

Stage 2

At a second fork go left over the bridge and follow the track up to Kernsary. Fork right again uphill to leave the yard at the gate, then at the edge of the forestry turn right onto a track into the trees. The track becomes boggy in places on this section; at a burn crossing, there is a footbridge to the left if the waters are in spate. Stay on the track - ignoring the path shown on OS maps which no longer exists; the track eventually becomes a path and leaves the forest at a gate and stile. Continue over the open moorland on an excellent stalkers path. Beinn Airigh Charr dominates at first, but after cresting a rise all the peaks around Fionn Loch come into view.

Stage 3

Ignore a smaller path forking back right. The path now passes the north side of Loch an Doire Crionaich below the impressive crags of Martha's Peak, named after a sheperdess reputed to have fallen to her death. Beinn Lair looks impressive from here, its great northern precipices beginning to be revealed at last. Eventually the path leads to the right above the Abhainn an t'Strathain Buidhe, and forks - a well made branch not shown on maps shortcuts down to cross the burn if not in spate, whilst the old path detours 500m south to reach a footbridge (turn left after this to meet where the routes rejoin). Continue on the path as it climbs slightly and then begins to slowly descend towards the head of the Fionn Loch at Polt Fraochain, with truly stunning mountain architecture all around.

Stage 4

Just before a burn ignore a path forking right (the route to Beinn Lair), instead keeping on the main path which veers left and runs along the shore of the Fionn Loch, becoming boggy in places; Beinn a' Chaisgein Mòr rises impressively on the opposite side of the loch, with the rocky peak of Sgùrr na Laocainn to the right and Carnmore Crag to its left. Once over the causeway the path continues briefly by the shore before climbing away from the lochs.

Stage 5

A gate on the left of the path leads to the lonely house at Carnmore; a couple of hundred metres beyond this is a stable building usually open for use as a basic shelter by walkers; wildcampers are better by the head of the Fionn Loch or the causeway. To continue the walk, stay on the main, very well maintained path that climbs across the southern slopes of Sgùrr na Laocainn, giving good views ahead to A' Mhaighdean - regarded as the most remote of the Munros.

Stage 6

The path crosses a couple of small burns and there are stunning views looking back to the causeway and the lochs. After a couple of zig-zags the path continues northeast, keeping to the west of the Allt Bhruthach an Easain. Continue until the highest point of the path, before it descends to the Lochan Feith Mhic-illean - which are legendary amongst fishermen.

Stage 7

Leave the path at the highest point to head northwest up rough, pathless and wet slopes. Recompense for the effort of the ascent and the rough going is in the superb views looking back over A' Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mòr . Eventually the ground eases into a gentler, extensive plateau.

Stage 8

Continue across the plateau to reach the summit - one of the remotest Corbetts. Despite the shallow gradients immediately around, the views are superb, with all the Fisherfield mountains looking spectacular. To the north can be seen the Summer Isles, whilst out west is Poolewe and Aultbea; the views are best appreciated from a short distance beyond the summit.

Stage 9

The return walk is back the same way - any shorter route being barred by lochs, rivers, bogs and pathless terrain. Most walkers prefer to stay overnight around the head of the Fionn Loch and perhaps combine with other hills such as Beinn Lair on a multi-day trip.

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