Get Lost Mountaineering

Druim Fada from Corran near Arnisdale

Start/Finish

The car park at the end of the public road at Corran. From Shiel Bridge, take the Glenelg/Arnisdale road for 19 miles over the Ratagan Pass.Shiel Bridge is on the A87 from Invergarry to the Kyle of Lochalsh.

Distance/Time

12 km     About 7 - 8 hours

Peaks

Druim Fada, 713 m, NG 894 083.     OS sheet 33.

Introduction

This is a tougher walk than it may seem from the map even though this is a lowish peak in the area. Its name means long ridge and it stretches for about 9 km east from Corran. In summer, it can be thickly vegetated especially on its N side which is the way from Corran. This route is possible during the bracken season although it cannot all be avoided. The ascent is fairly steep but there is a faint path; the ascent ridge is not as well defined as the map or some guide books suggest and care would be needed in mist. The crest is quite rocky and has a few scrambling opportunities if one ventures west from the summit. Because of the bracken on the day, the descent was made by the ascent route. The views are superb as it overlooks Loch Hourn and include Meall nan Eun, Ladhar Bheinn and Luinne Bheinn. Looking north are the Arnisdale hills including Beinn Sgritheall. Looking west, Skye can be seen.

Route

(1) Cross the bridge at the end of the public road then take the signed path immediately after. Follow this, for just over 1 km, to reach a bridge over the River Arnisdale. Don't cross over but continue on the track which is rough and stony in places and has a quite steep section. At a minor stream, by a tree, the track turns N and descends to the Dubh Lochan which may have been glimpsed just before. Leave the track after crossing this stream and go upstream, gradually diverging from the stream to go around the obvious large crag then ascend up, left, E, to gain the ridge and try to follow the faint path up. There are some levelish sections where the path is harder to follow but it usually drifts left sometimes without gaining height. Higher up, one such traverse goes around the back of a steep craggy slope but there is no scrambling. Higher up, it looks like one can drift right to gain the crest but it is best to continue up, roughly SE. There are two small cairns, about 60 m apart with the eastern one being the summit of Druim Fada, 713 m.

(2) Retrace the outer route. If the path was lost higher up, it should be possible to find it again from the western top.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 18^th June, 2016.

(b) Accommodation is limited at Shiel Bridge but there are two camp sites. One behind the garage, the other at Morvich on the old road around Loch Duich. The latter is run by the Caravan Club and has very good facilities including Wi-Fi.