Hills of Britain and Ireland
OS Map of Beinn Sgritheall NW Top
Height: 928m / 3045ft • Prominence: 26m / 85ft • Summit : embedded rock 3m ESE of cairn • Trip reports (hill-bagging)
Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
kyle scotland unitedkingdom 54328178697
Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54122687626
Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53788465254
3,000 feet down to Arnisdale Bay. Looking across the superb fjord of Loch Hourn to Ladhar Bheinn at 1,020 metres, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 914 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
kyle scotland unitedkingdom 54329487780
Looking across the sea-loch, Loch Hourn, to the remote and snow-tinged Ladhar Bheinn, 1,020 metres. A slope that rises 3,346 feet from sea-level. The building on the green delta gives a sense of scale. Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54204885947
3,000 feet down to Arnisdale Bay. Looking across the superb fjord of Loch Hourn to Ladhar Bheinn at 1,020 metres, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 914 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54188787030
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Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
kyle scotland unitedkingdom 54328178697
Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54122687626
Skye, Rum and Eigg from near the summit of Beinn Sgritheall above the fjord, Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. Stopped at Arnisdale on the shores of Loch Hourn. Kitted up, set off north up a steep river valley. Rocky, winding path beside the gushing burn, across bumpy, fern and heather-clad slopes. Reached 600 metres at the col, Bealach Arnasdail. Turned west, and down to the burn. Crossed the burn and commenced a very steep climb up the eastern summit of Beinn Sgritheall. At 700 metres a huge boulder field slowed progress. Some scree 2-3 metres across, like giant stepping stones, was traversed for over 200 metres. At 906 metres we reached the secondary east peak. Scree still in shot. Main summit in view (right) at 974 metres or 3,200 feet. Views of Loch Hourn, remote Knoydart……breath-taking. Across the Sound of Sleat to the Sleat Peninsula and Black Cuillins of Skye, the Inner Hebrides of Eigg and Rum and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula …… irresistible!
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53788465254
3,000 feet down to Arnisdale Bay. Looking across the superb fjord of Loch Hourn to Ladhar Bheinn at 1,020 metres, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 914 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
kyle scotland unitedkingdom 54329487780
Looking across the sea-loch, Loch Hourn, to the remote and snow-tinged Ladhar Bheinn, 1,020 metres. A slope that rises 3,346 feet from sea-level. The building on the green delta gives a sense of scale. Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54204885947
3,000 feet down to Arnisdale Bay. Looking across the superb fjord of Loch Hourn to Ladhar Bheinn at 1,020 metres, Inverness-shire, Scotland..
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 914 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54188787030
3,000 feet down to Arnisdale Bay. Looking across the superb fjord of Loch Hourn to Ladhar Bheinn at 1,020 metres.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 914 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54061174128
Looking across the sea-loch, Loch Hourn to the remote and snow-tinged Ladhar Bheinn, 1,020 metres. A slope that rises 3,346 feet from sea-level. The building on the green delta gives a sense of scale. Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
54001698285
Looking across the sea-loch, Loch Hourn to the remote and snow-tinged Ladhar Bheinn, 1,020 metres. A slope that rises 3,346 feet from sea-level. The building on the green delta gives a sense of scale. Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53906428402
Looking across the sea-loch, Loch Hourn to the remote and snow-tinged Ladhar Bheinn, 1,020 metres. A slope that rises 3,346 feet from sea-level. The building on the green delta gives a sense of scale. Knoydart, Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Commentary. The wonderful, wild, grandeur of this remarkable West Coast of Scotland, is so manifest here. Way back, twelve years ago, my son and I visited Bealach Ratagan, the Five Sisters of Kintail, Glenelg, the Sandaig Islands and the site of Gavin Maxwell’s “Camusfearna.” Then……the stark, pristine magnificence of Loch Hourn, a fjord/sea-loch, par-excellence. From Arnisdale, we began our ascent of Beinn Sgritheall, on the northern shore. The meandering path is steep up to the coll. Then we peered west, up to a scree slope that in places reached 45 degrees, beyond 800 metres in elevation. The gradient and the ice-shattered scree took its toll and slowed our progress. After three hours of toil we peaked the secondary top at nigh on 1,000 metres, 3,000 feet. South-East is Barrisdale Bay, where the loch turns east inland for a further five miles, culminating at Kinloch Hourn. Ben Nevis (33 miles) and Sgurr na Ciche can also be clearly seen in this direction. South is the majestic, knife-edge ridge of Ladhar Bheinn (1,020 metres). South-West is Beinn na Caillich and the part of Knoydart jutting out into the Sound of Sleat. A glimpse of Loch Nevis, the Sleat Peninsula on Skye, the Islands of Rum (in cloud) and Eigg and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula (40 miles) can also be seen to the South-West. To the West the superb volcanic horse-shoe of the serrated Black Cuillins stand imperially. Standing on this God-like, stone-shattered site, the world was ours. The drama in all directions was breath-taking. But this fjord, this twisting, curving, graceful sweep of grey-blue water was mesmerising. Cars are full-stops, dwellings-mere hyphens and moored boats were miniscule commas. Cradled in an ice-scoured gouge in the landscape up to almost 4,000 feet deep, half a mile to three miles in width and fourteen miles in length this sea-loch makes a marked impression. Startling, astounding, magnificent, awe-inspiring. No words seem to suffice, but so far, it has proved to be unforgettable.
31-May-06 • Scotland by NJC. • flickr
53803611642
Videos
A good weather window prompted me to travel up to Kintail the night before with an overnight camp in the van for an ascent of ...
Ascent of Beinn Sgritheall (974m) from Arnisdale, next to Loch Hourn via Coire Min to view sunset over Skye on 26.9.20. Stunning ...
Beinn Sgritheall, Bongo Day 1. Date walked: 11/04/2018, Time taken: 4.6 hours, Distance: 10.4 km/6.5 miles, Ascent: 1100m.
Walking part of the coastal path from Corran, by Arnisdale, Loch Hourn to the headland at Rubha Camas na Cailinn on 21.10.20.
Tour Scotland Summer travel video clip with Scottish music, of Loch Hourn, Scottish Gaelic: Loch Shubhairne, a sea loch which ...
Notes
- Data: Database of British and Irish Hills v18.2
- Maps: We use OS mapping for England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Sadly, Channel Islands, Northern (OSNI) and Southern Ireland (OSI) mapping isn't available online, so we use Openstreetmap.