DAVID’S ROUTE

START/FINISH Inchnadamph

GR: NC251215

Distance: 27km/17 miles

Ascent: 2825m/5987ft

Time taken: Three days (including two half days) Safety note: This route includes a severe 'bad step' so should be treated with extreme caution

We took an anticlockwise route over the Corbett of Breabag, following the burn lines down into and out of Glen Oykel and onto the south ridge of Ben Mor Assynt. The ridge is superb – exposed, thin and winding but non-technical until a very severe ‘bad step’ after the high point marked 960m. From the south, going up and over this is exposed but doable; but getting off it requires a literal leap of faith, with high potential for injury or death and a long way from help. From the north, it may be easier for taller hillgoers to hoist themselves up to straddle the knuckle, à cheval. Even with scrambling/climbing gear there is no easy way to protect the step itself, in either direction. Our alternative way around as described in the story isn’t viable as a route – more a muddy, desperate scramble, again with high consequences if things go wrong.

I would not attempt the route described again unless conditions were exceptionally dry with no winds forecast. I’d be more inclined to treat it as an out- and-back from the top of Ben Mor Assynt itself, because the ridgeline is very worthwhile. Ultimately, though, there’s a reason it’s not in any guidebooks I’ve come across – so treat it with extreme caution!

That shouldn’t stop you visiting Breabag, which is wonderful. Do the traverse and descend to the River Oykel, then cross the river and use the track to head back over the bealach.