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Beinn na Caillich from Arnisdale by Boat

Beinn na Caillich from Arnisdale by Boat

Start/Finish

Roadside/verge parking by the obvious long jetty in Arnisdale. From Shiel Bridge, take the Glenelg/Arnisdale road for about 19 miles over the Ratagan Pass.Shiel Bridge is on the A87 from Invergarry to the Kyle of Lochalsh.

Distance/Time

8 km (from foot of Allt Coire Sgamadail on south side of Loch Hourn).     About 8 - 9 hours.

Peaks

Beinn na Caillich, 785 m, NG 795 067.    OS sheet 33.

Introduction

This is a short but tough walk over the most remote Corbett in Knoydart which is the only part of the UK mainland with island status as there is no road in. Getting a boat in from Arnisdale is a good idea and the shortest approach but it isn't cheap especially for a solo walker. Boat contact details are in the notes. The only other sensible approach would be from Inverie. It would be very hard to get at from Barrisdale, as Ladhar Bheinn is in the way, unless one is backpacking. It is a shy peak and not seen from parts of Arnisdale but well seen from the road between Arnisdale and Glenelg. The approach, from the sea, goes up the Allt Coire Sgamadail where there is a very faint, old path. Unfortunately, there can be very dense ferns lower down so this route is best avoided during the summer growing season unless local knowledge suggests otherwise. On a clear day, it is a supperb viewpoint to Ladhar Bheinn and Beinn Sgiritheall not to mention Skye.

Route

(1) Initially, follow the fence on the left, E, side of the Allt Coire Sgamadail. There is a faint path which should be sought out especially if the bracken is high but the ferns hide it well. The path leaves the fence in places. When the trees are reached, start to look for the path reaching the only short flat section of the stream. It is important to cross here as the going is much, much rougher on the E bank. Continue up on the W bank, slowly drifting away from and above the stream where the ground is much easier. Here and there, are hints of an old path. Continue up but there is no need to climb on to the ridge above. Continue to shadow the stream up to the first lochan in Coire na Caillich. Ignore any stream branching off to the right. Once at the lochan, go around on its side on easy but complex ground which would be difficult to navigate in mist. In clear weather, Beinn na Caillich will be looming large ahead. Aim for its N ridge. There is the odd hint of a path around here which seems to go across the corrie ahead before going left to join the N ridge. Follow the steepish ridge up with hints of a path here and there. When the angle eases, continue S then SW to reach a medium cairn, on a low outcrop, which is the summit of Beinn na Caillich, 785 m.

(2) Retrace the outward route.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 16th June, 2016, and and about 15 years earlier.

(b) To enquire about a boat from Arnisdale, contact Peter Fletcher on 01599 235007.

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