|
A long walk
in the Rough Bounds of Knoydart will clear any cobwebs your mind may have
acquired! This area is renowned for several reasons; its landscape, rugged
mountain topography, history, remoteness.
Oddly enough,
despite the distances involved, there are no less than three standard
routes of access. You may make your way by foot through Glen Dessarry
in the south, by foot along the south side of Loch Hourn on the north,
or from Inverie on Loch Nevis on the west. This route describes the last
option.
Inverie,
at the east end of Loch Nevis, is a good base for exploring this fine
region, with a regular ferry from Mallaig. There is accommodation at Inverie
as well as good eating and a popular pub. The residents of Knoydart have
had a recent turbulent past and supporting their community is invaluable.
From Inverie,
take the road alongside the Inverie River and on to gain the Mam Barrisdale.
Climb the northwest ridge of Luinne Bheinn, passing a level spot at 665m
and a large cairn before gaining the summit.
Luinne Bheinn,
whose name may mean 'swelling hill', provides grand views of Ladhar Bheinn
and Beinn Sgritheall to the northwest and Sgurr na Ciche to the southeast.
The picture shows the first two mountains.
Continue
the walk towards Meall Buidhe (946m, 849 990) by going along to the East
Top of Luinne Bheinn (937m). Descend from that top southeast then southwest
above Coire Odhair. The walking is rocky and undulating, taking in the
bump of Druim Leac a'Shith. Further on, the Bealach Ile Coire is reached,
beyond which is the northeast ridge of Meall Buidhe, leading to the South
East Top at 942m. The summit of Meall Buidhe (yellow hill) lies about
430m to the WNW.
The fastest
descent to Inverie is via the west ridge of Meall Buidhe to reach a bridge
near the foot of Gleann Meadail. A bridge further west allows an easy
crossing of Inverie River and so back to Inverie. An alternative descent
path takes the southeast ridge before turning south to the Mam Meadail
to pick up the right of way from Loch Arkaig to Inverie and so back to
the starting point.
|
