Beinn a' Chaisteil, via Strath Vaich

Summary

Beinn a' Chaisteil is the more northerly of two summits on an undulating ridge to the east side of Strath Vaich. The ridge provides an enjoyable walk with extensive views over one of the more remote areas of the Highlands.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac then landrover track for approach. Some pathless ground on the hill itself.

Deer Stalking information

Strathvaich Estate. Stalking between early July and 20 th October. No stalking on Sundays. The approach track from Black Bridge to Beinn a’Chaisteal along Loch Vaich is always OK.

Getting there

Start

Start of hydro road off A835 immediately east of Black Bridge.

Public Transport

The Inverness - Ullapool bus service passes the start of the walk.

Start Grid Ref

NH373708

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 24km / 15 miles
Time: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 793m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Beinn a' Chaisteil

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Explorer 437 - Ben Wyvis

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

There is parking at the start of the tarmac hydro road that branches off the A835 just east of Black Bridge. Do not drive further along the road as it is private. Begin the walk by instead heading along the road on foot, soon passing through a gate after the initial cottages.

Stage 2

Continue along the tarmac for over 3km, until immediately before it crosses a bridge over the Abhainn Srath a' Bhathaich, just beyond a weir. Turn right through a gap in the fence onto a rougher track here, running along the bottom edge of a plantation with good views to the left through scattered birches and across the river. Cross a metal bridge and continue to a junction below a small dam. Bear left here, staying on the main track.

Stage 3

The track eventually descends slightly and runs above the eastern side of Loch Vaich - a reservoir - with an open outlook into the wild but rolling hills ahead. Continue along the track until above the two derelict cottages at Lubachlaggan. Here, leave the track immediately after crossing the Allt Lub a' Chlaiginn burn, following a path above the far bank.

Stage 4

There is an old stalkers' path up this slope, but sections of the zig-zags have become overgrown so it is probably simpler to keep close to the burn at first. As a ravine forms, keep to the heather above it, not being tempted by the sheep paths which cut along the steep sides. Higher up the old stalkers' path becomes clearer and a series of zig-zags can be followed, aiming up onto the shoulder of the hill (point 672m on the map). The views back over Loch Vaich to Am Faochagach improve as height is gained. The path soon ends but the terrain becomes easier going by this point.

Stage 5

Continue across featureless, stony terrain to the windshelter cairn around the trig point that marks the summit. The outlook is surprisingly extensive, with Seana Bhraigh and the sharp little peak of Creag an Duine prominent, and a surprising glimpse of Suilven just to its right. ENE, the twin peaks of Càrn Chuinneag dominate, whilst the massive bulk of Ben Wyvis closes the horizon to the SE.

Stage 6

If conditions are poor you may wish to retrace your steps, but in good weather it is worth heading back along the ridge to the south. Descend around 140m to the bealach before climbing almost as far again onto the plateau summit of Meall a' Ghrianan. Continue ESE; the ground steepens but a series of zig-zags appear which ease the lower section, leading down into an area of bog. Cross this, following a line of old fence posts to the south, before eventually cutting off to join a landrover track to the east of Meallan Donn.

Stage 7

The track can then be followed as it curves round the southern side of Meallan Don. An old overgrown path makes a shortcut from here, but continuing along the track provides easier going, rejoining the outward route just below the tiny dam. Keep left here to reverse the track followed earlier back to the tarmac road, and then along this to return to the start.

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