10-11 Beinn Eighe
Here’s a pair of winter journeys to oft-overlooked summits at the far ends of this mountain’s great ridge, from Garry Smith.
Beinn Eighe is one of the Torridon giants – a grandee among all the Highlands mountains. Aside from two Munros, its long, undulating backbone supports a further five principal summits. Located at opposite ends of the main ridge, the isolated peaks of Sail Mhor and Creag Dhubh are probably the least frequented of Beinn Eighe’s tops. You don’t need to visit either when on a mission to tick the Munros. There just happen to be two first-class and technically straightforward winter routes that can take you to both ends of Beinn Eighe’s magnificent ridge. Both are possible during the course of a single weekend. These starkly contrasting journeys will give far more of an insight into the complexity and grandeur of Beinn Eighe
than simply climbing to its highest tops.
TRANSPORT Unfortunately using public transport in a Highland winter is never going to be easy. The winter bus timetable (PDF) for services to Kinlochewe is available at www. travelinescotland.com The good news is that hitching back and forth along Glen Torridon works surprisingly well!
PUBS/GRUBS Kinlochewe Hotel Bar www.kinlochewehotel.co.uk (01445) 760253 The Whistle Stop Café, Kinlochewe (highly recommended) (01445) 760423
ACCOMMODATION Torridon Youth Hostel www.syha.org.uk (01445) 791284 Kinlochewe Hotel and Bunkhouse www. kinlochewehotel.co.uk (01445) 760253. For local B&Bs www.visittorridon.co.uk
PRACTICALITIES The Kinlochewe Stores and Post Office sells essential groceries, hill snacks and maps. There is also a village petrol station, but with limited opening hours. For cash or outdoor gear it’s best to stop at Inverness en route.
TOURIST INFO www.visitscotland.com (no local tourist information services are available during winter months).
AVALANCHE INFORMATION www.sais.gov.uk provides a daily forecast for Torridon.