Sgùrr Bàn and Beinn a' Chlaidheimh via the slabs and Loch a' Bhraoin

Summary

This epic but superb walk visits two of the very remote Fisherfield peaks via Loch a' Bhraoin to the east. The route includes an ascent of the spectacular quartzite slabs of Sgùrr Bàn, which are unique in Scotland. Beinn a' Chaildheimh could be omitted to shorten the outing, or Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair could be included instead. Wild camping south of Loch an Nid could be possible to split the route and make more manageable.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good approach track to Lochivraon, and paths to near Loch an Nid. There is a river crossing here and below the loch on the return which is impassable in spate. The climb up to the ridge is pathless, and includes walking up easy-angled quartzite slabs which may not be safe or feasible in wet conditions. The ridge down from Sgùrr Bàn has many awkward quartzite boulders.

Getting there

Start

Layby on A832, just west of Loch a' Bhraoin track.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NH163761

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 32km / 20 miles
Time: 13 - 15 hours
Ascent: 1390m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgùrr Ban
Corbett: Beinn a' Chlaidheimh

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

Park at the parking area just west of the Scotways-signed track off the A832. Begin the walk by heading along this track towards Loch a' Bhraoin; it is signed for long distance routes to Kinlochewe and Lochluichart. Go past the barrier and along the track, with views of A' Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac ahead. Soon a gate is reached and new paths head off to the left and right. Turn right here, signed for Kinlochewe. The new path soon reaches the rough track along the loch shore and then turns right to follow this to the west. Follow the track by the northern shores of the loch.

Stage 2

Near the end of the loch the track leads through a gate and passes the white-washed house at Lochivroan. The house is private, but the estate usually leaves a further stone cottage just beyond and behind it as a bothy. The route continues along the track and through another gate, becoming a path. The route comes alongside the Abhainn Loch a' Bhraoin for a time, and has a couple of boggy sections. It crosses the burn near a cairn and continues over the moorland, heading through a gate just before the ruin at Felnasheen. The watershed is a short distance beyond, after which the path curves right and descends towards the Allt Cul Doireachan.

Stage 3

Our route heads up the southermost set of the quartzite slabs, which are the smoothest, before crossing the hillside to use the top section of the slabs which stretch from Sgùrr Bàn almost down to Loch an Nid. Leave the path and ford the Allt Cul Doireachan, passing to the right of a rough knobble and then aiming for the foot of the western slabs, crossing some boggy ground. Once the slabs are reached they can be walked up - a quick way to gain 150m of height. The angle is about 15 degrees, but they should be avoided if wet. From the top of the slabs ascend across pathless heathery ground, eventually crossing the Allt Meallan Laoigh to the to the west of the rounded lump of the same name.

Stage 4

The ground is littered with quartzite, but by heading northwards briefly you can gain the upper section of the Sgùrr Bàn - Loch an Nid slabs. Head west up these at an easy angle until they run out. The slabs reach almost down to the loch, but have steeper bluffs at the lower end - hence why this route uses the smoother Fhearchair slabs for the lower section. Once above the slabs continue over rocks to reach the summit plateau of Sgùrr Bàn.

Stage 5

The top of Sgùrr Bàn is quite flat, with a large cairn at the centre; better views can be obtained by venturing SW to the edge of the plateau for views over Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair. From here you could aim for that neighbouring Munro before returning via Coire nan Clach for a slightly shorter outing, but our route heads north briefly before turning down the northeast ridge, aiming for Beinn a' Chlaidheimh. The descent gradient is gradual, but the terrain underfoot is awkward quartzite boulders all the way down to the broad bealach.

Stage 6

Pass the small lochans and begin up the broad grassy ridge beyond. This climbs to 815m before descending slightly to 787m. From here the ascent steeps, at first on a zig-zag path through the sandstone, then with a final stretch on a path up quartzite scree. The summit cairn of Beinn a' Chaidheimh is just above - a truly wonderful viewpoint at the southern end of a grassy arête with great drops on either side.

Stage 7

To begin the descent, head down the grassy southeast ridge from the cairn, with steep drops on your left. After around 500m aim SE down the open slopes - which are stony in places but give surprisingly decent going. The descend steepens at a height of around 600m. Continue downhill on rougher ground with occasional rocky terraces, aiming to reach the river to the north of Loch an Nid.

Stage 8

Ford this - which could be impassable in spate - and then pick up the path on the far side. This climbs above the eastern side of Loch an Nid and eventually rejoins the outward route. Now simply retrace your (very many!) steps - all the way past Felnasheen and Lochivraon to reach Loch a' Bhraoin and continue right back to the start.

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