Sgùrr na Feartaig and Beinn Tharsuinn

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Summary

Though overshadowed by the higher and finer neighbouring Munros, this round of two Corbetts makes a satisfying outing, with a mix of steep ground, fine stalkers paths and good views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good approach track followed by rough hillwalk, steep and pathless at times. Crossing the Allt a'Chonais could be difficult or impossible in spate.

Public Transport

Inverness - Lochcarron bus passes along the A890.

Start

Achnashellach Forest car park, Craig. 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: 22km / 13.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1180m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH039493

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgùrr na Feartaig
Corbett: Beinn Tharsuinn

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There is a signed forestry car park off the north side of the road at Craig. Head back down to the road and cross it, following the track opposite over the railway level crossing. The track bends left and heads up the glen. There are great views ahead of Sgùrr nan Ceannaichean. After about a kilometre the track curves right and crosses a bridge over the River Carron. Once across the river the track soon forks; take the left fork, which begins a long climb above the (unseen) Sloc Mòr gorge. As height is gained there are great views looking back over the sandstone peaks of the Coulin Forest. After just over a kilometre another forestry track goes off to the right - ignore this and keep to the main track, with views ahead of the Allt a Chonais gorge. Further on another track goes off right, this time signed for the 'Allt a'Chonais pinewood'; again continue ahead.

Stage 2

The track passes through a gate in a deer fence before reaching the top of a pass just to the left of a knoll. A flat, treeless hanging glen now stretches ahead, backed by the Munro peaks of Sgùrr a'Chaorachain and Sgùrr Chòinnich. Continue on the track, now slightly downhill, which soon comes close to the river. Ignore the path leading to a bridge over to the right - this is used on the return. Instead continue on the track for another couple of kilometres, passing a single wire that is all that remains of a bridge, until the track bends left and ascends slightly. A cairn marks where a stalkers path turns off here on the right; take this turning, which in a short distance leads down to the Allt a'Chonais.

Stage 3

There are the remains of a wire bridge across the Allt a'Chonais at this point, but they are not safe, and the burn could be dangerous or even impossible to cross in spate. The wooden bridge shown a short distance downstream crossing the burn where it flows through a gorge is no longer in place. This stalkers path is boggy in places but fairly clear as it ascends the west side of the glen of the Allt Leathad an Tobair, with good views of Sgùrr Chòinnich, whilst Beinn Tharsuinn eventually appears directly over the bealach. The path keeps above the stream, to reach the wide Bealach Bhearnais.

Stage 4

Continue on the path as it climbs up to the higher level of the bealach. Beinn Tharsuinn rises abruptly directly ahead; leave the path to ascend the steep grass between rockier areas. Above this is a grassy ridge with a series of knolls and some stony areas, with great views back to Sgùrr Chòinnich or ahead towards Lurg Mhor. Either continue along the ridge top or avoid some ascent and descent by taking a rising line on its left side.

Stage 5

The ridge bends to the left for the final ascent of Beinn Tharsuinn, which is much rockier and is topped by a cairn. There is a good view down the length of Loch Monar. Retrace your steps back along the ridge and down the steep slope to the Bealach Bhearnais. On the descent take your time to spot a good route up Sgùrr na Feartaig opposite. It is possible to climb directly and very steeply northwest to the summit from the bealach, crossing grass and boulders, but the keen eye may pick out the line of an old stalkers path which runs across the slope to the left part way up before making the final climb to the ridge. Once located this path, though now disused, can be followed; it descends slightly to pass beneath a rocky crag before zig-zagging up to reach a larger stalkers path on the ridge about half a kilometre from the summit.

Stage 6

Leave the path for the final ascent to the large cairn marking the summit of Sgùrr na Feartaig. The best views here are to the northwest, where the sandstone peaks of the Coulin Forest are backed by the great Torridon giants of Liathach and Beinn Eighe. Descend north from the summit, picking up the old stalkers path to the left of the lochans on the bealach.

Stage 7

The path becomes unclear at first as it climbs ENE over a low grassy ridge but becomes very easy to follow beyond, easing the long descent over Na Meallanan Buidhe. There are great views along the way before the path finally reaches the Allt a'Chonais. To reach the bridge head a short distance upstream; the wooden planks are suspended from wires with two handrails tied to a tree for a very rickety crossing - great care is needed and the bridge is crossed at your own risk. On the far side head up to rejoin the vehicle track used on the ascent, turning left for the long walk back to the start.

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