Twenty Classics Days on Scotland's Mountains

Ladhar Bheinn

The rough bounds of Knoydart - now there is an impressive title - and what an impressive place, it certainly lives up to its 'rough' title. Knoydart is a very remote and rugged area of Scotland, situated on the west coast between Loch Nevis (Loch of Heaven) and Loch Hourn (Loch of Hell). Across to the west is Skye, and to the east lies mile upon mile of rough mountainous land. Knoydart is very sparsly populated, with only a small farm and lodge at Barrisdale and the small village of Inverie on the coast about 10 miles from Barrisdale. The rest of the area contains many derelict sheillings and settlements which show the history of the area and the effects of the Highland Clearances had on the land. Indeed this area was once fairly well populated, even up to the earlier part of this century. Rev A E Robertson (The 1st Munroist), wrote a few accounts of his wanderings in the area at this time and of the hospitality of the people who would put him up for the night in their modest homes.

Ladhar Bheinn from the coastal path near Barrisdale

Knoydart contains within its rough bounds lots of fine hills, only three are afforded Munro status with the remainder being Corbetts, although Sgurr a Choire Bheithe at 913m has apparently been resurveyed at 915m and may well be a Munro. If it has the misfortune to be declared a Munro, a mass stampede shall occur as baggers from all over come to tick the peak off. The three Munros listed at present are Luinne Bheinn, Meall Bhuidhe and Ladhar Bheinn. All these hills require a fair bit of effort in order to reach their tops, and their is no easy way to them, but the rewards, particularly on a good day are magnificent.

Ladhar Bheinn - Facts and Figures

Distance from Barrisdale : 8 miles

Total Ascent from Barrisdale : 4000ft

Time : 6h hours

The walk into Barrisdale from Kinloch Hourn is 6.5 miles with about 1000ft of ascent

Route Grading : A route best left for summer, to walk into Barrisdale, climb Ladhar Bheinn, and then walk out requires a long hard day. These mountains are a very a big proposition in winter requiring careful planning.

Accommodation : We recommend staying at bunkhouse at Barrisdale or camping outside bunkhouse. Farmer at Barrisdale will give you permission. Staying in the area for a few days will allow time for exploring the hills and other secrets of this area. If you fancy a pint you can always walk to Inverie (18 mile round trip) via the Mam Barrisdale.

**Summits Visited In Our Route**
Gaelic Name	Translation	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Status
Stob a'Chearicall	Circular Peak	2720ft	830m	Just a hill
Ladhar Bheinn	Hoof Shaped Mountain	3346ft	1020m	Munro
Stob a'Choire Odhair	Peak of the Dun Corrie	3139ft	957m	Top

**Maps**
Publisher	Scale	Title / No
Ordnance Survey	1:50000	Sheet 33
Bartholomew's	1:100000	Sheet 50

Our starting point at the Kinloch Hourn is reached by driving along the minor road which runs along Loch Garry from the A87 Glengarry to Kyle of Lochalsh road. We begin our walk into Barrisdale along the excellent coastal path, which over the space of six and a half miles climbs over three small knolls. These high points provide excellent views down Loch Hourn. Ladhar Bheinn comes into view after about five miles near a ruined church, it is an impressive site. The path then widens for the last mile as it turns the corner and Barrisdale is reached.

Our route is the round of Coire Dhorrcail, start by crossing the river and following the zigzagging stalkers path up onto the shoulder of Creag Bheithe. Now leave the path which continues into Coire Dhorrcail. A steady climb with ever increasing vistas soon leads to the imposing tower of Stob a Chearcaill. This looks spectacular and the scramble up involves threading your way through the small terraces. In wet these terraces can be greasy and care should be applied. The more nervy walker can avoid this ascent by following the stalkers path up onto the Mam Barrisdale from where grassy slopes reach Aonach Sgoilte.

The magnificent cliff's of Ladhar Bheinn viewed from Stob a'Chearicaill

Now the spectacular cliffs of the mountain are viewed, as we walk over the skyline surrounding Coire Dhorrcail. In mist some care should be exercised when using your compass as Ladhar Bheinn apparently has some magnetic variation. We soon reach the junction (marked by a cairn) where the Stob Coire Odhair ridge meets the main ridge, from here we continue for about 100m to reach the true summit. Further on lies the trig point and is is probably wise to visit this point as it actually looks higher than the summit. On a fine day the views will be magnificent with Loch Hourn below, Skye to the west and a jumble of peaks to your east. This summit is the most westerly of the Munros on the mainland. Our descent takes us back to the cairn at the junction of the ridges, from here we take in the top of Stob a Choire Odhair. This narrow ridge provides a grandstand view of our whole route across the skyline. Below to our left is Loch Hourn and to our right is Coire Dhorrcail where we pick up the path which leads back to Barrisdale, this in turn is followed by the walk out along the coastal path back to Kinloch Hourn. Tea and Scones can be enjoyed in the village at a small tea shop (signposted), and after such a fine day the home baking will go down a treat. The other alternative is to swim Loch Hourn to Glen Elg where you can enjoy a pint!!