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Kingairloch Corbett circuit
Overlooking Loch Linnhe, the two fine Corbetts hills of Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn along with the lower peak of Beinn na Cille form a rough horseshoe circuit above the few houses and farm at Kingairloch in Morven.
Main route summary
Creach Bheinn can easily be reached by a slog from the highest point on the Glen Tarbert road that leads to Strontian.
However, to combine this with Fuar Bheinn and enjoy the hills to the fullest, the approach from Kingairloch to the south is recommended.
The views from the summit crests of these hills, and Creach Bheinn in particular, are stunning in all directions, looking as far as Jura, Rum, Skye and beyond.
| Corbetts |
Creach Bheinn (853m)
Fuar Bheinn (766m)
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| Grahams |
Beinn na Cille (652m)
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| Ascent |
1400m (4,600ft)
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| Distance |
14km (9m)
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| Time |
walk : 5:45hr*, bike/run : 2:45hr
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent
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| Start/finish |
Glengalmadale Bridge
(grid ref : NM863530)
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Profile
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Maps
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Which map to choose ?
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Downloads
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| Terrain | | easy |
 | difficult |
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| Navigation | | easy |
 | testing |
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| Effort | | stroll |
| long day |
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| Scenery | | ok |
 | stunning |
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| Meanings |
Fuar Bheinn : 'cold hill'
Creach Bheinn : 'hill of spoil'
Beinn na Cille : 'hill of trouble'
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Route detail & map »
Getting there
- From Corran, 10km south-west of Fort William a reliable ferry passes the Corran Narrows to Ardgour.
- Once on the Ardgour pininsula, head south-west on the A861 for 10km and a sign pointing south to Kingairloch on the B8043 will be seen.
- Take this road, which is narrow and drive for 12km to reach a bridge over Glengalmadale River.
- Cross the bridge and park tightly on the edge of a passing place by a forest - if this space is taken, there are other places nearby.
Beinn na Cille
- From the passing place, trudge directly up the steep hillside following the edge of the forest - progress is easier just within the forest, rather than outwith it.
- Upon reaching the edge of the forest, aim west and gain more height on grass and through occasional bracken, avoiding a few rocky outcrops.
- Gradually turn north-north-west, the ascent begins to ease and Beinn na Cille's summit is reached without much drama.
The views, particularly southwards, are amazing considering this little hill's modest height.
Fuar Bheinn
- Continue north-north-west from Beinn na Cille's summit over grass covered ground and start to loose height.
- As the descent steepens, a few bouldery patches are crossed, then Bealach Coire Mhic Gugain is reached.
- Head northwards up a gently rising slope ahead and gain Meall Coire Mhic Gugain, from where some level ground is crossed and a pleasant grass covered hillside is climbed to reach Fuar Bheinn.
Even better views this time, with a fine aspect onto Beinn Resipol.
Creach Bheinn
- The OS 1:50000 maps suggests that there may be some steep rocky sections heading directly north from Fuar Bheinn, however the terrain is much more straightforward than expected, and the Cul Mham bealach is quickly reached.
- Creach Bheinn's summit is gained by an easy walk passing some tiny lochans on the way.
A huge cairn and trig point rest on the domed summit, with stunning views in all directions.
Return
- Head north-east from Creach Bheinn summit for 500m, then turn east annd drop to narrow Bealach Coire an Dubh-alltan.
- To savour one last superb view, continue up Maol Odhar, on which rests a cairn with some plane wreckage from a RAF Voodoo which crashed in 1964 (more details here).
- Turn due south and follow the line of the hillside down into Glen Galmadale.
- Cross the burns and trace a vague path over sodden ground for 2km to meet a track to follow back to Glengalmadale Bridge.
Photos of route »
Kingairloch circuit from Sgor Dhonuill on Beinn a'Bheithir
Glas Bheinn and Creach Bheinn from Beinn Resipol
Kingairloch circuit from Port Appin to the south-east
Creach Bheinn and Fuar Bheinn from Salen
Approaching Fuar Bheinn
Beinn na Cille from Fuar Bheinn
Plane wreckage on Maol Odhar with Creach Bheinn behind
The Mamores and Beinn a'Bheithir from Maol Odhar
Meall Odhar from Creach Bheinn
Looking back up Glen Galmadale at the end of a fine day out
Looking to Jura from Fuar Bheinn
Deer on Beinn na Cille
More photos are on Flickr !
Alternative routes »
Accessing the ridge from different points
Slightly shorter, but rougher, a less trodden route heads up Beinn Resipol from Polloch by Loch Shiel.
Gaining the ridge via Maol Ohar
- At the highest point in Glen Tarbert, parking is possible by the end of a forest or cattle grid.
A route following fence posts and crossing heather ground can be made aiming south and climbing up Meall a'Choirein Luachraich, then an un-named summit (at 715m) to gain the ridge via Maol Odhar's eastern shoulder.
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Alternatively, from the Abernethy Trust Outdoor Centre, 5km north-east of Glengalmadale, a track (not marked on the OS maps) heads north-west up the southern shoulder of Maol Odhar.
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Both of these routes are fine for an ascent of Creach Bheinn, but not particularly practical for including either Fuar Bheinn or Beinn na Cille.
Missing out Beinn na Cille
- There is a track (not marked on the OS maps) heading north-east following above the western bank of the Abhainn Ghardail - ideal if you want to miss out Beinn na Cille. This track heads up Coire Ghardail for just under 2km, from where an easy trudge up grassy slopes gains Fuar Bheinn.
Interactive OS map
Other hill routes nearby »
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Ardgour Corbetts
A delightful back-packing trip is the finest way to enjoy this remote and rugged area with 6 Corbetts. Coming soon
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Stob a'Coire Chearcaill
A long 'whale-backed' Corbett immediately west of Fort William. Various routes up to stunning views.
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Beinn a'Bheithir
The 'thunderbolt mountain' is the horse-shoe shaped mountain above Ballachuilish. A quick hill-run or delightful scramble - you choose !
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Above Loch Creran
A sea-level start means these hills require a fair bit of effort. The stunning views make the effort worthwhile from the summits of Beinn Sgulaird, Creach Beinn and Beinn Trilleachan
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Beinn Resipol
A fine Corbett peak, its solitary position ensures fine views from its summit in all directions.
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Mull's peaks - Ben More and Dun an Gaoithe
Ben More is a fine hill with some ridge walking and easy scrambling - or just take the 'tourist route' up !
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Accommodation & food »
Forecasts & other useful info »
Guided days on these mountains »
We don't have any guided events up the Kingairloch peaks currently on our calendar of regular events.
If you would like a bespoke day or more hiking over the Kingairloch peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group.
Check out our
Bespoke Guiding page for more information.
