Sgurr an Utha and Fraoch-bheinn
Hillwalking route up Sgurr an Utha and Fraoch-bheinn above Glen Finnan
Estate tracks lead up the lower slopes of Fraoch-bheinn and Sgurr an Utha, above which grass-covered hillsides littered with rocky outcrops are climbed to reach summit crests with fine views of Morar and Glenfinnan.
Route outline
| Corbetts | ||||
| Ascent | 730m (2390ft) | |||
| Distance | 10km (6m) | |||
| Time | 3:40hr | |||
| Start/finish | 3km west of Glenfinnan Grid Ref : NM873817 | |||
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A hillwalk of two halves ! Initially through a forest, a fine estate leads from the roadside, halfway up the lower slopes of Fraoch-bheinn and Sgurr an Utha. Higher up there are no paths to follow while climbing up grass-covered hillsides and around crags and rocky outcrops.
The views from the summits are rather fine, particularly looking towards the higher peaks of Sgurr na Ciche, Sgurr Thuilm and Streap and out to the isles of Eigg and Rum.
Navigation can be a little tricky in mist, in especially if taking a direct descent from Sgurr an Utha's summit.
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Route description
1. Getting to Glenfinnan
Lay-by by the Allt Feith a' Chatha
From Fort William, head westwards along the A830 Mallaig Road through Caol and Corpach and onwards to Glenfinnan.
Around 3km west of Glenfinnan, after passing a large section of forestry and as the A830 approaches its highest point, the road crosses a bridge over the Allt Feith a' Chatha. Around 300m beyond the bridge is a lay-by on the south side of the road with room for several vehicles to park.
The hill route starts immediately to the east of the bridge, where a track heads into the forest, however by the access to this track, a no parking sign has been erected.
2. Froach-bheinn and Sgurr an Utha
Track heading below Druim na Brein-choille
Leaving the lay-by, on foot, cross back over the bridge over the Allt Feith a' Chatha, then a few metres on 
, head uphill on a fine track through some forestry. After around 500m, the track exits the forest and shortly thereafter just before crossing the Allt an Utha to its western bank, the track meets with a junction 
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Turning sharp right at the junction, follow a rougher track as it twists and climbs uphill. At around a height of 400m, the track takes an abrupt turn southwards 
, and then after climbing a further 50m or so, comes to an abrupt end 
.
From the track end, aim due east and climb up the gently ascending grass-covered hillside of Druim na Brein-choille. The gradient gradually levels and the wide plateau above Druim na Brein-choille is reached, upon where turn north-east following the plateau's crest with the Froach-bheinn in view ahead.
A few boggy bits and some undulating ground lead to the base of a short climb onto the summit crest of Fraoch-bheinn 
where effort is rewarded with some stunning views toward Sgurr Thuilm and Streap.
The final pull to Sgurr an Utha's summit
between Fraoch-bheinn and Sgurr an Utha. A faint path can be traced as it twists around some rocky ground to climb to Sgurr an Utha's rocky summit 
on which sits a large and tidy cairn. The views open up further, with a fine aspect out to the isles of Eigg and Rum.The final pull to Sgurr an Utha's summit
3. Return options
On Sgurr an Utha's summit looking out to Eigg and Rum
To return, about turn and retrace steps to bealach between Fraoch-bheinn and Sgurr an Utha. Instead of climbing back up Fraoch-bheinn, head southwards and begin to lose height while descending diagonally against the slope of the hillside.
A couple of small upper tributaries of the Allt an Utha are easily crossed and a few rocky outcrops encountered on the way are easily avoided while aiming to pick up the track at its sharp corner .
Descending Sgurr an Utha, Moidart's Corbetts ahead
Descending Sgurr an Utha, Moidart's Corbetts ahead
Route profile »
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Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Corryhully Horseshoe | |
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Beginning from the famed Glenfinnan Viaduct, a tarred road travels to Corryhully bothy and to the foot of a rugged circuit of crests leading to Sgurr nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm. Streap can also be bagged from this direction. Peaks : 2 Munros, option of 1 Corbett
Ascent : 1450m (4760ft) Distance : 21km (13m) Time : 7:40hr |
Loch Eilt Corbetts | |
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The Corbett hills of Beinn Odhar Bheag and Beinn Mhic Cedidh stand to the west of Loch Shiel, their undulating grass-covered crests, pitted with rocks and crags being typical of Moidart and Ardgour peninsula landscape. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1360m (4460ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 5:15hr |
Northern Ardgour Corbetts | |
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South of Glenfinnan, an estate track leads to the base of a rugged ridge encircling the head of Cona Glen on which stands three remote Corbett peaks. Peaks : 3 Corbetts
Ascent : 1580m (5180ft) Distance : 23km (14m) Time : 8:25hr |
Streap and Braigh nan Uamhachan | |
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Two long ridges extend northwards from the 'Road to the Isles,' leading to the Corbett summits of Streap and Braigh nan Uamhachan. Hiking from Gleann Dubh Lighe, these peaks can be combined into a single route. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1700m (5580ft) Distance : 22km (14m) Time : 8:20hr |
Moidart's Corbetts | |
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South-east of Loch Ailort, the three rugged Corbett hills of An Stac, Sgurr na Ba Glaise and Rois-bheinn form a compact group of peaks, easily hiked in an afternoon. Peaks : 3 Corbetts
Ascent : 1475m (4840ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 5:30hr |
