Get Lost Mountaineering

Belig & Garbh Bheinn from head of Loch Ainort

Start/Finish

Layby at head of Loch Ainort near to bridge at NG 538 265 on the road from Broadford to Sligachan.

Distance/Time

9 km.      Approx 6 hours.

Peaks

Belig, 702 m, NG 544 240.

Garbh bheinn, 806 m, NG 531 232.     OS sheet 32.

Introduction

These two hills offer a good day when higher hills, especially the Black Cuillin are in cloud. They are mainly gabbro and offer good scrambling opportunities. There are excellent views to the whole of the Black Cuillin ridge as well as to Blaven, Clach Glas, Marsco and Glamaig. On a very clear day, Eigg and Rum are easily visible.

Route

(1) Walk SSE over rough ground towards the N ridge of Belig. There may be a path from the bridge at NG 538 265 (the second bridge after the lay by going towards Broadford). Aim for the bottom of the rocky part of the ridge leading to Belig. There are many good scrambling opportunities, all avoidable, on good rock before the ridge levels out just before the small summit cairn of Belig, 702 m. Three ridges meet at this summit and there are good views in all directions.

(2) Descend W then WSW, initially following the remains of an old wall, down a rocky ridge to reach Bealach Beiste. From here continue WSW up grassy slopes which soon turn to scree with the odd outcrop. Look out for a spectacular view of Clach Glas on the ascent where its shape resembles the Matterhorn. Higher up there are some good scrambling opportunities but these are short lived and soon after the summit cairn of Garbh Bheinn, 806 m, is reached. The views are even better than from Belig.

(3) Descend the rocky N ridge over Pt 489 then down the increasingly boggy Druim Eadar Da Choire to reach the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 27^th July, 2001 and 16^th May, 2010.

(b) Even better scrambling can be enjoyed by doing this route in reverse on both the ascents of Garbh Bheinn and Belig.