Loch Nevis - Scotland's Hills

I was staying with friends at Doune on the Knoydart Peninsula, accessed only on foot or by boat, with a plan to climb the Corbett, Bidein a’Chabair, from the head of Loch Nevis, a shorter route than the long walk in from Strathan in Glen Dessarry. Firstly it was over to Mallaig on the MV Mary Doune to drop off two of the party who had to return home early.

Loch Nevis. Beinn Bhuidhe in the distance

Then it was a pleasant journey up Loch Nevis but we could see fresh snow lying on the higher peaks so it was something we would have to watch on the narrow rocky ridge between Sgurr na h-Aide and Bidein a’Chabair.

Across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye

We were taken ashore on the south side of Loch Nevis by dingy and landed beside the ruin at NM847943 then set off in a south-easterly direction up the side of an unnamed stream.

Landing point on south shore of Loch Nevis

Head of Loch Nevis. Ben Aden and Sgurr na Ciche

Higher up we worked our way round some large boulders to gain the west ridge of Sgurr nam Meirleach and from the summit of this Graham Top had good views out west. However low cloud covered the summit of Sgurr na h-Aide.

Loch Nevis, Beinn Bhuidhe and Meall Bhasiter

The descent east to the bealach with Sgurr na h-Aide was relatively easy as was the climb to the summit of this Corbett Top despite a few patches of fresh wet snow.

Route onto Bidein a'Chabair — Route onto Bidein a’Chabair

The cloud had lifted and we could now see that the ridge out to Bidein a’Chabair had patches of old and fresh snow. It took us a while to descent east as this involved some scrambling and a few of the foot placements had a covering of wet snow making things slippery. The ascent of Bidein a’Chabair was easier although it did involve crossing a section of old wet snow.

Summit, Bidein a'Chabair — Summit, Bidein a’Chabair

After several minutes at the summit it was time to return to the bealach between Sgurr na h-Aide and Sgurr nam Meirleach. The climb of Sgurr na h-Aide was easier than the outward route and on reaching the bealach we commenced the descent into Coire Dubh avoiding the rocks higher up. Lower down rather than continue towards Finiskaig a few of us cut across to the south shore of Loch Nevis. We did come across some steep and rocky sections so it may have been easier to continue down the coire. Once on board the MV Mary Doune we set off on the return journey down Loch Nevis and back to Doune.

Time taken – 6.5 hours.
Distance – 9.25 kilometres.
Height climbed – 1105 metres.