Beinn a' Chearcaill, from Loch Maree

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This rounded hill on the northern fringe of Torridon offers an unforgettable vantage point for the far grander peaks all around. The summit is a flat slab of sandstone littered with boulders, making it the perfect foreground for keen photographers.

Terrain

Good stalkers' path initially; pathless and rough terrain once on the plateau.

Public Transport

Buses between Inverness and Gairloch run past the start but there is no official stop.

Start

Parking available on old stretch of road off A832 north of Bridge of Grudie. 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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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There are 7 user reports for this walk - click to read them.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.5km / 7.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 700m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG962679

Summits Climbed

Graham: Beinn a' Chearcaill

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk starts up the driveway to a cottage a short distance north of the Bridge of Grunie; there is parking for several cars on an old stretch of road 200m further north. Begin by heading up the tarmac drive to the whitewashed cottage. The track here curves left, but our route takes a stalkers path that is not obvious at first - it goes straight ahead towards the telegraph poles. Once on the path it soon improves and becomes easy to follow, giving grand views into the Torridon mountains. Continue along it until a fork marked by a cairn after around 2.5km.

Stage 2

Here turn right, heading west on a much fainter and rougher path that heads up the north side of Coire Briste. Looking back there are great views over Slioch. The path continues up, curving round the head of the corrie to join the burn where it tumbles down from the plateau.

Stage 3

Here the path fades out; continue up onto the rough plateau, generally keeping close to the main burn until a lochan is reached.

Stage 4

From here aim SSW up rough ground, eventually passing another smaller lochan. Slioch is still the finest part of the view. Continue south up towards the uppermost part of the mountain; both the gradient and the terrain ease eventually but navigation would be quite challenging in poor visibility.

Stage 5

The summit area itself is an unusual one, consisting of a large slab of Torridonian sandstone, scored with cracks and littered with boulders. This provides a perfect foreground to the superlative views of the north side of Liathach and Beinn Eighe - looking right into Coire Mhic Fhearchair with its Triple Buttress prominent.

Stage 6

The cairn is at the west end of the slab, above a steep drop that gives a fine aerial view over the wild and empty landscape behind Torridon, backed by Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin.

Stage 7

The south and west side of the hill are extremely steep, and the best return is to retrace your steps, making best use of the stalkers' path lower down.

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