Beinn Sgritheall - Knoydart/Glenelg

19 August 2008 - a fine day with cloud around 300'
Start: OS Explorer 413 GR780135; entrance to a track north of the cattle grid on the minor road to Arnisdale

Set off: 1200
Return: 1600
Duration: 4hrs. Distance: 9.5km
Total Height Climbed: 820m

Note hill walking can be dangerous and this route involves walking in a remote and potentially dangerous area, these details are for info only.

I did this walk, my first Munro, with Steve and my Auntie Karen and Uncle Bob. We arranged to meet at Arnisdale which meant we could use the Glenelg Ferry to cross from Skye to the mainland saving a large round trip across the bridge and round via Glenshiel! Spookily enough, one of the ferry operators was in the local Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) and when we explained we were going to Beinn Sgritheall, he recommended we start at a forest track some 6km from the top rather than go straight up from Arnisdale (see photo from top looking down to Arnisdale) as this was a much easier approach and was the one the MRT used if they had to get to Beinn Sgritheall. So our plans were duly amended and, having 2 cars meant we could start there and finish in Arnisdale. We left the ferry saying we hope to see you later, on the ferry rather than you rescuing us off the mountain!

We met up with Karen and Bob and headed for the amended starting point and set off along a pleasant forest track. We stumbled across a herd of deer in the forest and they bounded away as soon as they saw us. It was a fairly long trek through the forest with not a great deal of height gained but it was a nice walk. We eventually broke through the trees and headed round the left of Loch na Lochain - there is a path marked on the map but it's not very easy to follow so we ended up trudging across grass, heather and reeds aiming for the ridge. Once we got onto the ridge proper we found the path and the going was easier for the moment. Now the Munros book describes the going from here as increasingly steep and I'll certainly not argue with it! Like an exponential curve (bet you never knew Westies are excellent mathematicians - we have an exponential hunger curve and our adoration and loyalty is infinite!) the gradient did it's best to thwart us but we persevered and, with one or two manual assists, I was first to the top to enjoy the view, cloudy though it was!

After some nice lunch - doggie biscuits ignored in favour of sandwiches - off we set for the drop down to Arnisdale. We crossed the minor top on the way to Bealach Arnisdale before dropping down to the lochan closely followed by a long and steep downhill trudge on a good path next to a stream so plenty of water stops! The drop is around 600m across 2km and just as you are approaching Arnisdale and the end is in sight, the nice people of Arnisdale have erected a sign asking you to go right and follow a path which meanders away behind the village and eventually brings you back onto the road - a wee sting in the tail when you think your done!