Sgùrr an Utha and Fraoch-bheinn
Estate tracks and grassy slopes lead to twin summits above Glenfinnan and Morar with rocky outcrops and far-reaching western Highland views.
Route outline
| Corbetts | ||||
| Ascent | 730m (2390ft) | |||
| Distance | 10km (6m) | |||
| Time | 3:40hr* | |||
| Start/finish | Allt an Utha Bridge, west of Glenfinnan Grid Ref : NM873817 | |||
| Terrain |
| |||
| Nav |
| |||
| Effort |
| |||
| Scenery |
| |||
The hillwalk is very much one of two halves. Estate tracks lead through forestry and onto the lower slopes of the hills, but higher up the paths disappear and the ascent continues over grass-covered ground weaving around crags and rocky outcrops to reach the summit crests.
The views from the tops are particularly fine, especially towards the higher peaks of Sgùrr na Ciche, Sgùrr Thuilm and Streap, and westwards to the islands of Eigg and Rum.
Navigation can be a little tricky in mist, particularly if making a direct descent from Sgùrr an Utha's summit.
Route map
Route description
1. Getting to Glenfinnan
Lay-by by the Allt Feith a' Chatha
From Fort William, head westwards along the A830 Mallaig Road through Caol and Corpach and onwards to Glenfinnan.
Around 3km west of Glenfinnan, after passing a large section of forestry and as the A830 approaches its highest point, the road crosses a bridge over the Allt Feith a' Chatha. Around 300m beyond the bridge is a lay-by on the south side of the road with room for several vehicles to park.
The hill route starts immediately to the east of the bridge, where a track heads into the forest, however by the access to this track, a no parking sign has been erected.
2. Froach-bheinn and Sgùrr an Utha
Track heading below Druim na Brein-choille
Leaving the lay-by, on foot, cross back over the bridge over the Allt Feith a' Chatha, then a few metres on 
, head uphill on a fine track through some forestry. After around 500m, the track exits the forest and shortly thereafter just before crossing the Allt an ùtha to its western bank, the track meets with a junction 
.
Turning sharp right at the junction, follow a rougher track as it twists and climbs uphill. At around a height of 400m, the track takes an abrupt turn southwards 
, and then after climbing a further 50m or so, comes to an abrupt end 
.
From the track end, aim due east and climb up the gently ascending grass-covered hillside of Druim na Brein-choille. The gradient gradually levels and the wide plateau above Druim na Brein-choille is reached, upon where turn north-east following the plateau's crest with the Froach-bheinn in view ahead.
A few boggy bits and some undulating ground lead to the base of a short climb onto the summit crest of Fraoch-bheinn 
where effort is rewarded with some stunning views toward Sgùrr Thuilm and Streap.
The final pull to Sgùrr an ùtha's summit
between Fraoch-bheinn and Sgùrr an ùtha. A faint path can be traced as it twists around some rocky ground to climb to Sgùrr an ùtha's rocky summit 
on which sits a large and tidy cairn. The views open up further, with a fine aspect out to the isles of Eigg and Rum.The final pull to Sgùrr an ùtha's summit
3. Return options
On Sgùrr an ùtha's summit looking out to Eigg and Rum
To return, about turn and retrace steps to bealach between Fraoch-bheinn and Sgùrr an ùtha. Instead of climbing back up Fraoch-bheinn, head southwards and begin to lose height while descending diagonally against the slope of the hillside.
A couple of small upper tributaries of the Allt an ùtha are easily crossed and a few rocky outcrops encountered on the way are easily avoided while aiming to pick up the track at its sharp corner .
Descending Sgùrr an Utha, Moidart's Corbetts ahead
Descending Sgùrr an Utha, Moidart's Corbetts ahead
Maps and GPX downloads »
Route profile »
Weather forecasts »
| Regional | MWIS - Western Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Corryhully Horseshoe – Sgùrr nan Coireachan & Sgùrr Thuilm | |
|
From Glenfinnan Viaduct, a rugged circuit to Sgùrr nan Coireachan and Sgùrr Thuilm, with an option to extend to Streap which will involve a little scrambling. Peaks : 2 Munros, option of 1 Corbett
Ascent : 1450m (4760ft) Distance : 21km (13m) Time : 7:40hr* | |
Loch Eilt Corbetts – Beinn Odhar Bheag & Mhic Cedidh | |
|
A rugged Moidart outing over the grassy and rocky Corbetts west of Loch Shiel—Beinn Odhar Bheag and Beinn Mhic Cedidh offer fine hillwalking. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1360m (4460ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 5:15hr* | |
Ardgour's northern Corbetts from Callop | |
|
From Callop near Glenfinnan, a route over three remote Corbetts encircling Cona Glen - Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain, Sgòrr Craobh a' Chaorainn and Druim Tarsuinn. Peaks : 3 Corbetts
Ascent : 1580m (5180ft) Distance : 23km (14m) Time : 8:25hr* | |
Streap and Bràigh nan Uamhachan from Glen Dubh Lighe | |
|
A superb hike combining the long ridges of Streap and Bràigh nan Uamhachan from Glen Dubh Lighe on the Road to the Isles. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 1700m (5580ft) Distance : 22km (14m) Time : 8:20hr* | |
Moidart's Corbetts from Roshven | |
|
The rugged Corbett hills of An Stac, Sgùrr na Ba Glaise and Rois-bheinn form a compact group of peaks south-east of Loch Ailort, easily hiked in an afternoon. Peaks : 3 Corbetts
Ascent : 1475m (4840ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 5:30hr* | |
* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.
