THIS WEEK’S WALKS
LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS
The walk leader is to be contacted before hand for meet-up and start times. Car sharing usually possible and people can try before they buy. Further information at www.lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk. Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group can be contacted by email on info@lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk.
Thursday April 19
Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan
This splendid hill occupies a commanding position at the N entrance to the Sound of Mull. The route offers fine views of the land and seascape at the westernmost point of the British mainland.
Start at the watershed on the B8007, 3Km NW of Camas nan Geall CP, NM551640. There is limited parking in the vicinity.
Follow the footpath NW for 400m to the foot of the NE spur of Ben Hiant. Climb SW up the spur, which narrows to a ridge and curves W to the summit trig point, 528m.
Descend gently SW to a small summit, 387m, turning SE more steeply down to a saddle. Climb up Sron Mhor, 311m, then turn NE over the switchback of Stallachan Dubha, across a burn to the ring-contour, 250m alt at NM540623. Descend SE, passing E of a band of crags, to reach a fence, then follow it SW down to the shore at Port a’ Chamais. Follow the coast E along the shingle bays to Camas nan Geall CP. Transport required
Grade: M+; Distance: 8km; Height to climb: 600m Map(s): LR47, EX390; Meet at: Corran Ferry slip for 9.15am sailing. Start of walk at 10.30am Leader: Rick Atkinson 07587 549731. Sunday April 22
Kerrera North Circuit, Oban
A walk around the north end of Kerrera, taking in the monument, marina, the lovely bay of Oitir Mhòr and some archaeological sites. Views across the Firth of Lorn to Mull and beyond.
From the ferry slip take the track uphill to Balliemore. Turn N at the junction. When the track curves E, leave it and continue NE over rough ground up to the summit Barr Dubh. Continue NE on the high ground for about 900m and drop steeply down to the track, avoiding the crags. Turn E and follow the track past Ardantrive farm, the marina and on to Hutcheson’s Monument at the N end of the island.
Head NW to find the Cashel (early medieval enclosure) at NM842312 on the raised beach NE of Port a’ Bhearnaig. Head SW along the raised beach to reach the track and follow it to Oitir Mhor. Leave the track to visit the Cairn at NM820300. Head S to rejoin the track and visit the Cists at NM820296. Continue on the track, which turns S then E to re-join the outward route at Balliemore. Follow it back to the ferry for the 1400 or 1600 sailing. Grade: L; Distance: 10km; Height to climb: 250m; Map(s): LR49, EX359; Meet at North Ballachulish school at 9.20am or Kerrera ferry slip for 10.35am sailing. Leader: Alison Guest 01852 316266 or 07562 874991.
NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB Please see full walk details at www.nevishillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go out on the walk please contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club. Saturday April 21
Beinn na Caillich, Beinn Dearg Mhor, Broadford, Skye
Take the path from the B8083 which leads to Coire-chat-achan, then head NW up the steep hillside to the summit of Beinn na Caillich. Follow the ridge west to Beinn Dearg Mhor and continue S around Coire Gorm to Beinn Dearg Bheag. Descend the E ridge, cross the Allt Beinn Deirge and return to Coire-chat-achan and the path back to the road.
Distance: 11km, height to climb: 1000m. Suggested and coordinated by Andrew Gilbert.