
Kingairloch Corbett circuit
Hillwalking route up Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn in Ardgour
Overlooking Loch Linnhe, the two fine Corbett hills of Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn, along with the lower peak of Beinn na Cille, form a rugged horseshoe circuit above the few houses and farm at Kingairloch in Ardgour.Main route summary
The views from the summit crests of these hills, and Creach Bheinn in particular, are stunning in all directions, looking as far as Jura, Rum, Skye and beyond.
Corbetts |
Creach Bheinn (853m) Fuar Bheinn (766m) |
Grahams | Beinn na Cille (652m) |
Ascent | 1400m (4,600ft) |
Distance | 14km (9m) |
Time |
walk : 5:45hr*, bike/run : 2:45hr *Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent |
Start/finish |
Glengalmadale Bridge
(grid ref : NM863530) |
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Scenery |
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Meanings |
Fuar Bheinn : 'cold hill'
Creach Bheinn : 'hill of spoil'
Beinn na Cille : 'hill of trouble'
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Route detail & map »
Getting there
- From Corran, 10km south-west of Fort William a reliable ferry passes the Corran Narrows to Ardgour.
- Once on the Ardgour pininsula, head south-west on the A861 for 10km and a sign pointing south to Kingairloch on the B8043 will be seen.
- Take this road, which is narrow and drive for 12km to reach a bridge over Glengalmadale River.
- Cross the bridge and park tightly on the edge of a passing place by a forest - if this space is taken, there are other places nearby.
Beinn na Cille
- From the passing place, trudge directly up the steep hillside following the edge of the forest - progress is easier just within the forest, rather than outwith it.
- Upon reaching the edge of the forest, aim west and gain more height on grass and through occasional bracken, avoiding a few rocky outcrops.
- Gradually turn north-north-west, the ascent begins to ease and Beinn na Cille's summit
is reached without much drama. The views, particularly southwards, are amazing considering this little hill's modest height.
Fuar Bheinn
- Continue north-north-west from Beinn na Cille's summit over grass covered ground and start to loose height.
- As the descent steepens, a few bouldery patches are crossed, then Bealach Coire Mhic Gugain is reached.
- Head northwards up a gently rising slope ahead and gain Meall Coire Mhic Gugain, from where some level ground is crossed and a pleasant grass covered hillside is climbed to reach Fuar Bheinn
. Even better views this time, with a fine aspect onto Beinn Resipol.
Creach Bheinn
- The OS 1:50000 maps suggests that there may be some steep rocky sections heading directly north from Fuar Bheinn, however the terrain is much more straightforward than expected, and the Cul Mham bealach is quickly reached.
- Creach Bheinn's summit
is gained by an easy walk passing some tiny lochans on the way. A huge cairn and trig point rest on the domed summit, with stunning views in all directions.
Return
- Head north-east from Creach Bheinn summit for 500m, then turn east annd drop to narrow Bealach Coire an Dubh-alltan.
- To savour one last superb view, continue up Maol Odhar
, on which rests a cairn with some plane wreckage from a RAF Voodoo which crashed in 1964.
- Turn due south and follow the line of the hillside down into Glen Galmadale.
- Cross the burns and trace a vague path over sodden ground for 2km to meet a track to follow back to Glengalmadale Bridge.
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Other hill routes nearby »
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