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Applecross Corbetts - Beinn Bhan and Sgurr a'Chaorachain
On the edge of Wester Ross, dramatic cliffs, buttresses and coires guard access to the Applecross peninsula.
Above the terraces of Torridonian sandstone are two impressive Corbett peaks, Sgurr a'Chaorachain and the higher Beinn Bhan.
Main route summary
A narrow twisting road from Loch Kishorn heads over the moutains via the famed Bealach na Ba pass.
Starting from this road, a superb day can be savoured on high wide crests above impressive dramatic drops.
From the higher points on the route the views are stunning in all directions, including a full-frontal of the Cuillin of Skye
| Corbetts |
Beinn Bhan (896m)
Sgurr a'Chaorachain (792m)
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| |
| Ascent |
1350m (4,450ft)
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| Distance |
14km (9m)
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| Time |
walk : 5:45hr*, run : 2:45hr
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent
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| Start |
Russel Burn above Loch Kishorn
(grid ref : NG815413)
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| Finish |
Bealach na Ba viewpoint
(grid ref : NG774426)
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Route detail & map »
Getting there
- On the A896, 9km west of Lochcarron, a narrow road heads up towards Bealach na Ba.
Care is needed on this road, it twists and climbs up to over 600m !
- The route starts at the bridge over Russel Burn and ends at the viewpoint on the top of Bealach na Ba - 6km north-west of the start, therefore it is recommended leaving a bike or road-trainers at the route-end for the returning descent on road.
Beinn Bhan
- Start by the bridge over Russel Burn and head north on a rough track through grass.
- As the track begins to level out, leave it and turn north-east over wet grass to reach the base of Beinn Bhan's southern shoulder.
- Climb up heather clad slope onto the shoulder crest, where the terrain becomes easier grass with occasional rocks and boulders.
- On the crest a path gradually forms as height is gained.
A minor top is reached and dramatic Coire na Feola and A'Chioch come into view.
The drops into the coire are quite precipitous !
- Further on, Beinn Bhan's wide and flat summit plateau rests above east facing coires with dark lochans.
On the summit a trig point is sheltered from westerly storms in its stone circle.
Sgurr a'Chaorachain
- Leave the summt and turn west and begin to descend on complex boulder strewn crests to Bealach nan Arr.
- Carn Dearg can be by-passed using a faint path contouring through heather to turn southwards and reach another col.
- Continuing on more boulder covered ground, the mast on Sgurr a'Chaorachain's northern summit is gained.
The view to Skye's Cuillin is uninterupted and stunning.
- Follow a faint path through grass, above and around Coire a'Chaorachain to the hill's main summit.
Fine views onto the Na Ciochan buttress with its angled sandstone terraces.
Return
- Return to the mast, then descend down an obvious track to the car-park at the viewpoint.
Photos of route »
Applecross peaks from Loch Kishorn
Beinn Bhan from Redpoint
Applecross Corbetts from Beinn Damh
Bealach na Ba
Climbers on Sgurr a'Chaorachain
Sgurr a'Chaorachain from Russel Burn
Jogging along Beinn Bhan's wide crest
Coire na Poite
Boulderfield on Beinn Bhan - spot the ptarmigan
Sgurr a'Chaorachain from Beinn Bhan
Looking to Skye from Sgurr a'Chaorachain
Bealach na Ba from Sgurr a'Chaorachain
More photos are on Flickr !
Other hill routes nearby »
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Liathach
Situated in the heart of Torridon, Liathach has some fine scrambling and the hardest mainland Munro Top
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Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg
Beinn Alligin's sandstone terraces are split by the dramatic Eag Dhubh. Some fine scrambling to be enjoyed
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Beinn Damh
A dramatic little peak. Ideal for a fairly relaxed afternoon's ascent, the main route up is pathed and easier than it looks.
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Coulin Forest Munros and more Corbetts
Varied terrain and bouldery peaks with excellent views to Torridon and Skye. Accessed by fine paths
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Killilan Corbetts
A long enjoyable day on three Corbetts above Glen Elchaig. Includes details of a short detour to the Falls of Glomach.
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Garbh-bheinn and Belig
Tussocky ground leads to grassy ground higher up and rocky ridges with a wall to follow and superb views.
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Accommodation & food »
Forecasts & other useful info »
Guided days on these mountains »
We don't have any guided hiking events up the Applecross Corbetts currently on our calendar of regular events, but we hope to have soon.
If you would like a bespoke day or more hiking over these peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group.
Check out our
Bespoke Guiding page for more information.
