Local Hills Moruisg forms a prominent backdrop to Inver, dominating the western skyline. The direct approach from the hut would entail crossing a lot of very boggy ground. The normal routes start a mile west of Loan (NH081520) or at Craig (NH040492). The latter takes in Sgurr nan Ceannaichean as well, but is easiest with two cars since the easiest routes off Moruisg end at the first layby. The rounded slopes of Moruisg are also good for ski-mountaineering, when the snow conditions are suitable.  The other prominent local hill is Fionn Bheinn. This Munro may not be the most exciting in itself, but the summit has good views of the Fannichs, the Loch Maree area and Torridon. The full walk can be done in around four hours (from Achnasheen railway station). This makes it a good option for a short day on the hill, particularly for those driving home the same day, or who have enjoyed too good a night in the hut beforehand.  Plenty of other mountains and crags are within driving distance, as shown on the map below. There are 12 climbing sites (in Red), 39 Munros and 29 Corbetts accessible, most within 1 hour drive from Inver Croft (we won't split hairs about Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, which was a Munro and is now a Corbett!).  South of Glen Carron Several mountains are accessed from Craig. A forest track goes up the glen between Sgurr nan Ceannaichean and Sgurr na Feartaig. This leads to a number of relatively remote hills. Sgurr Choinnich, Sgurr a' Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh form a long ridge above the remote country around Loch Monar. The significant drop between Sgurr a' Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh means that the first two are often climbed as a pair, while Maoile Lunndaidh is usually done on its own.  The two other Munros in the region are Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich ('Cheesecake' to the Sassenachs) and Lurg Mhor. These can be reached by first going over the Corbett Beinn Tharsuinn to get to Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, before carrying on to Lurg Mhor. Since the other ways off Lurg Mhor end up around the head of Loch Monar, the most practical way back is by reversing the whole route. Escape routes are limited and the path back off Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich can be difficult to find in poor visibility, so this is definitely a walk which is best for a clear settled day. All these hills are best for long summer days, and a mountain bike is a real benefit on the forest track too. The only other shorter option in the area is Sgurr na Feartaig (a Corbett). Beware that the bridge marked on older OS maps, crossing the river Carron near Lair (NH011481), has long since been washed away. Glen Carron to Glen Torridon On the north side of Glen Carron are three Munros and the accompanying Corbetts are just as interesting. The Munros Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh, and the Corbett Fuar Tholl form a fine circuit for the hillwalker. Fuar Tholl is also known for it's ice-climbing routes. The routes for these hills start by Achnashellach railway station.  Further down down the glen is Maol Chean-dearg, another popular Munro. This is a fine walk, but the real gem in the area is the neighbouring Corbett, an Ruadh Stac (below). There are a number of interesting lower level walks in this area too, particularly the traverses of the passes between Glen Carron and Glen Torridon. Torridon and Loch Maree  The classic mountains of Torridon can easily be reached from Inver too. The Big 3 (with 2 Munros each) are Beinn Alligin, Liathach and Beinn Eighe. The geology of this area, with terraced sandstone of Beinn Alligin giving way to quartzite as you travel east to Beinne Eighe, makes for spectacular (and steep) mountains. Most routes involve a degree of scrambling. The full traverse of Beinn Eighe usually starts near Lochan an Iasghair, following the path round to Lochan Coire Mhic Fhearchair, followed by a steep ascent onto the ridge. The going generally gets easier further east along the ridge, but with a few steep areas on the descent into Kinlochewe. There are steep paths onto Liathach at either end. The central section over the Am Fasarinen pinaccles involves some exposed scrambling. The Northern Pinnacles are avoided by most hillwalkers, due to their difficulty. Beinn Alligin is normally done as a circuit, taking in the two Munros (Sgurr Mhor and Tom na Gruagaich) and a series of pinnacles on the eastern ridge known as the Na Rathanan or the Horns of Alligin. The other striking feature of Ben Alligin is the Great Cleft or Eag Dhubh (black cleft in Gaelic), a huge gully on the west side of the corrie, which cuts the hillside for several hundred metres starting on the ridge. There is plenty of climbing too. Coire Mhic Fhearchair on the northwest side of Beinn Eighe is particularly noted for its routes (summer and winter) on Triple Buttress. When in condition there are winter routes on the north side of Liathach, and Beinn Alligin has the potential too (the Eag Dubh holds snow well), although its maritime climate can limit snowfall and ice development. The three mountains listed above tend to get most of the attention, but the others are interesting too. Beinn Dearg is officially 2998 feet high, just missing out on Munro status, but remaining quieter for it.  The Horns of Alligin (foreground), Beinn Dearg and Beinn Eighe The other hills to the north of Glen Torridon have their charms too. Meall a' Ghuithais is quite close to Loch Maree, and has a nature trail much of the way up it. Rhuadh Stac Beag is really an outlying top of Beinn Eighe, but this Corbett is usually tackled separately. It gives a good perspective on the northern face of Beinn Eighe. Slioch, on the other side of Loch Maree is quite an isolated mountain, but looks out across some very remote land in the Fisherfield and Letterewe Forests. Applecross Heading further west from Loch Carron takes you to the Applecross peninsula. There are two Corbetts here, of which Sgurr a' Chaorachain can be either amongst the easiest or most challenging around, depending on whether you climb it via the Cioch Nose (including 135m of VDiff) or a short stroll from the summit of the road.  Driving the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) road is a an interesting experience in itself. Rising to 620m from sea level, it is one of the few truly alpine style roads in Scotland. Hard-cases may try to cycle it. Others have been content to drive over for lunch at the Applecross Inn. Driving he road can be difficult in winter conditions, with some likening it to all the excitment and danger of winter mountaineering, without having to get out of your warm metal box. Garve to Loch Broom Heading east to Garve then turning north up the A835 takes you to many interesting hills. The first is Ben Wyvis (another Munro). This quite a rounded mountain, but its isolated position gives views all round, over the North Sea and out to the West Coast sea-lochs. Since it is close to the road back to Inverness, and is not too long a walk, it is often a good option for those returning home. It often has more snow than the mountains further west, and is suited for ski-touring. Next up the road are the Fannichs, to the west of Loch Glascarnoch, a group of 9 Munros and 1 Corbett. These can be combined in circuits of varying lengths. There are also some ice-climbing routes here, including some developed by club members as recently as 2001. Beyond the Fannichs is An Teallach, one of most striking Scottish mountains. This is another mountain requiring some scrambling, with a series of pinnacle culminating in a large overhang known as Lord Berkely's seat. To the north of Loch Glascarnoch, is the group of mountains around Beinn Dearg. Beinn Dearg, Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala can be combined into a single day's walk. Seana Bhraigh is the most remote of the group. It's a fine mountain, but the navigation on the approach from the west can be challenging in poor visibility. Am Faochagach is not particularly challenging, apart from the inital approach from the end of Loch Glascarnoch. A large area of bog and potentially difficult river crossing mean that it is most easily approached when river levels are low, and the bog is either relatively dry or hard frozen.  Further Afield Areas such as Kintail have also been accessed from the hut. Even Skye is an option, particularly now that the bridge tolls have been abolished, although it is still about 90 minutes drive each way to the Cuillins. Rock Climbing Crags As well as the mountain routes listed above, there are a number of rock-climbing crags in the area. Some of these are well known, but others have only been fully explored in recent years. The best known is probably Diabaig, a rock outcrop by Loch Torridon. This has a number of routes close to the road, including classics like the Diabaig Pillar. (see www.scottishclimbs.com). Wild West Topos provide a series of guides to crags, particularly along the coast from Gairloch to Loch Broom. The latest edition of the SMC Highland Outcrops guide includes a number of 'new' crags in the area too. A fuller guide to cragging around Inver is to be completed Cycling There is plenty of mountain biking on forest and estate tracks in the area, although there are few organised trails. There is also a diverse range of road cycling, including routes with significant passes. Watersports Loch Gowan is on the the River Brahan system, and the system of lochs and rivers have been explored by kayak and Canadian canoe. |
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The Club Hut >
Mountaineering from Inver |