Hillwalking

Here are some walking ideas (including timings, etc) – more detailed walks (and directions) are further down the page.

The walk from Kinlochourn to Barrisdale takes on average four hours and although some people do walk it from Kinlochhourn Farm, and then climb one of the Munros, it makes it a good nine to ten hour day. Most people walk from Kinlochhourn and stay at Barrisdale so that you’re not having to keep an eye on the time if you are held up.

The walk to Inverie from Barrisdale takes about four hours and this takes roughly eight hours from Kinlochourn. It’s a good walk on an old stalkers’ path; you have a  long uphill walk to Mam Barrisdale and then downhill through to Inverie. In good weather the views are excellent.

From Monday to Friday, Peter Fletcher at Arnisdale runs a boat service. He collects and delivers to various points around Loch Hourn and can be contacted on 01599 235007.  This gives you an option of walking back to Barrisdale and then taking the boat to Kinlochourn. It’s hoped next year that we will have some kayaks

You could also do a longer walk to Inverie going via Sourlies.  Leaving Barrisdale you walk up Glen Underlain and over the top to Loch Nevis, stay the night in the Bothy and then on to Inverie, There’s the option of a return boat trip back to Kinlochourn from Inverie would be very interesting but is slightly weather dependent. The Mallaig to Fort William route is a popular one.  Most of the walks in this area are challenging, but also highly rewarding.

Walk 1 – Barisdale Bay

From The Cottage turn left along the road and on reaching the turning circle take the path which will follow the southern shoreline of Loch Hourn. Continuing along the path for about 7 miles will bring you to Barisdale Bay. This is a lovely walk and if you cover the full distance to Barisdale Bay and will take approx 4hrs.  However, the ideal is just to go as far as you want and take in the stunning views.

An alternative is to arrange a boat trip to Barisdale Bay and either explore the area before hiking back or just taking the boat back. The boat trip is well worthwhile with the opportunity to see seals and if you’re very lucky dolphins.

To arrange the boat call Peter Fletcher on 01599 522007.

Walk 2 – Arnisdale to Kinlochourn

Arrange a boat with Peter Fletcher- 01599 522007 – to take you to Arnisdale.

As in the previous walk, this is a lovely trip with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Once at Arnisdale walk the short distance to Corran. At Corran take the track up Glen Arnisdale and follow the River Arnisdale through to Dubh Lochain. Cross the bridge and work your way alongside the Loch and up the steep slope at the head of the Glen.

At the top of the slope, you should see the line of electricity pylons. Head towards the pylons and turn right onto the access track. Follow the track and descend the steep hill, at the bottom of which you’ll turn right and drop down through the wood to Kinlochourn. Follow the track past the Lodge, through the white gate.

Stay on the track and turn right after you’ve crossed the wooden bridge and we are 300 metres on the right.

Hiking from Arnisdale through to us takes on average 5 hrs.

Walk 3 – Buidhe Bheinn

Cross the River Hourn by the wooden bridge 300 yds up the road. Follow the track and go through the white gate and follow the track up through the wood. Exit the wood by the wicket gate and turn left up the pylon access track. Halfway up this track you will come to an old stalkers path on the right. Take this track and it will lead you to the summit of Buidhe Bheinn.

Walk 4 – The Five Benches

Cross the River Hourn by the wooden bridge 300 yds up the road. Follow the track to the white gate but do not go through it. Instead keeping the gate and fence on your right proceed along the shore to the far boathouse behind which you will find a path.

Following this path will take you past five stone benches, each giving a different view of Loch Hourn and the fifth bench will reward you with some majestic views of Ladhar Bheinn. This is the shortest walk but one of the most rewarding.

Walk 5 – Circular Walk to Skiary

Walk up the road and over the cattle grid, approx distance one mile. Stay on the road until you come to the ruined cottage on the right. Here you will see an old stalkers path, follow this path up to the ridge. At the top of the ridge to your right you will have Sgurr Dubh and to your left Sgurr nan Eugalit. Crossing over the ridge will take you down alongside a burn and it is steep in places. The hiker is rewarded with views of Loch Hourn on the descent. Once you reach Skiary turn right and follow the path back to Kinlochourn.