Beinn Resipol hillwalk from Ariundle, Strontian

Looking to Sgùrr Dhomhnuill from Ariundle

A few miles south of Fort William, Corran Ferry carries passengers and vehicles across the Corran Narrows of Loch Linnhe over to the wilds of Ardgour.

Landing on the opposite side of the narrows, a drive of 10km south-westwards on the A861 leads to Inversanda Bay and the entrance to Glen Tarbert.

A further 13km leads to the small village of Strontian, where crossing a bridge over Strontian River to its west bank, a minor road marked to Polloch heads northwards.

The starting point for this hillwalking route begins around 2km up this road, though parking is very limited. A small spot by the side-road leading to the Ariundle Centre has space for a vehicle or two and more can be accommodated in the large Forestry car park further along.

Approaching Beinn Resipol's summit

The hillwalking route up Beinn Resipol begins from the roadside, around 500m north of an old red phone box. Here, turn left at a junction just below the driveway to a house, following a side-road past several homes to reach a gate across the road.

Through the gate, now on a track heading through a field most likely containing livestock, continue to a bridge over the Allt nan Cailleach , shortly thereafter coming to a junction in the track. Take the right fork and begin to head uphill on a rather mucky track.

After passing some water-supply works, the track improves underfoot as heigh is gained while climbing steadily towards Bealach nan Càrn. A cairn at this high point provides an excellent spot to pause and soak in the panoramic views to the north and east.

From the cairn, leave the track and turn westward. Although quite flat, the grass-covered terrain is rather soggy grass while crossing Meall an t-Slugain.

Reaching the base of a slope, a gentle climb north-westwards over grassy hillsides leads to Beinn Resipol's eastern shoulder close to a pair of small lochans .

Heading westwards, a path gradually develops with height gained. This path is followed to Beinn Resipol's summit crest, passing by another small lochan just before a last pull to the top.

Rum from Beinn Resipol's summit

Rum from Beinn Resipol's summit

Returning along Beinn Resipol's summit crest, Sgùrr Dhomhnuill ahead

Return via the same route for a straightforward journey back to the starting point.

Dusk from the bridge over the River Polloch

If transport can be arranged, a fine alternative return can be made by heading to Polloch, close to the shores of Loch Shiel.

From Beinn Resipol's summit, retrace your steps to the cairn at Bealach nan Càrn. Once back on the track , head northward downhill.

The route leads into forestry , much of which has been recently felled. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions and occasional obstacles from fallen trees.

The track eventually emerges near a roadside Right of Way sign marked to Strontian, just before crossing the River Polloch.