Footprints Across Scotland
Why not make a few of your own!
23rd July 2014
A fine summer hike over Beinn nan Caorach & Beinn na h-Eaglaise from Arnisdale.
Route Map
I was spending a few days based at Arnisdale, a small settlement situated on the north shore of Loch Hourn. It was going to be another warm and sunny day and I drew up plans for a walk whilst enjoying breakfast sitting on the shingle beach and taking in the view south to the mountains of the Knoydart peninsula. Setting off down the road toward Corran I was aware of the towering presence of Beinn Sgritheall over my shoulder.
Beinn Sgritheall
Turning into Glen Arnisdale the seemingly resident stags in an adjacent field showed little concern as I strolled past. A little further on highland cows were paddling in the river trying to ward off the gathering heat of the day.
Beinn Bhuidhe (left) from Glen Arnisdale
The shoulder of Beinn nan Caorach was now visible above the tree lined gully of Allt Utha.
Beinn nan Caorach
A stalkers path rises steeply from Archadh a’ Ghlinne to a bealach above Coire Chorsalain and the waterfalls of Eas na Cuingid.
Waterfall Eas na Cuingid
After admiring the falls I continued a short way before dropping off the track to cross the burn. Now began the steep climb up the grassy south ridge of Beinn nan Caorach, the final section over gentler western slopes offering up fine views across Coire Dhruim nam Bo to Beinn na h-Eaglaise and Beinn Sgritheall.
Beinn na h-Eaglaise & Beinn Sgritheall from Beinn nan Caorach
After a leisurely lunch a very pleasant stroll lead down to a broad bealach which was crossed to reach a top above Rosdail.
Beinn na h-Eaglaise & Beinn Sgritheall
Beinn na h-Eaglaise & Beinn Sgritheall
A deep gorge in the hillside opposite carried water down from one of Beinn Sgritheall’s north east corries. A number of fine looking ridges radiate out from the mountain on this side and provide a contrast to the sheer slopes that drop to Loch Hourn on the other.
Beinn Sgritheall
Dropping to a col saw the start of the approach to the rather imposing NE ridge of Beinn na h-Eaglaise.
Beinn na h-Eaglaise & Beinn Sgritheall
The final climb of the day ran up a sharpening ridgeline which narrowed nicely at the top.
Beinn nan Caorach from Beinn na h-Eaglaise
It is possible to reach Beinn Sgitheall from here but there are steep awkward slopes to negotiate in order to reach Bealach Arnisdale.
Beinn Sgritheall from Beinn na h-Eaglaise
My way however took me in the opposite direction. A lochan nestled in the folds of Beinn Bhuidhe’s ridge down provided a nice situation in which to enjoy a final break for the day.
Lochan, Beinn Bhuidhe
Druim Fada across Glen Arnisdale
Then, after working my way south down through some crags I was soon back on the rivers flats of Glen Arnisdale and ready for the final short section along the road and back to the start.
Glen Arnisdale
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