Barrisdale Bay, Stob a' Choire Idhair and Ladhar Bheinn from Loch Hourn

This is a long, committing Knoydart mountain day that combines a remote approach along Loch Hourn with a serious ascent of Ladhar Bheinn and the outlying top of Stob a’ Choire Idhair/Odhair. At roughly 35 km / 21.7 miles with around 1,700 m / 5,577 ft of ascent, it is firmly in the difficult category and suits strong, well-prepared hikers who are comfortable with rough Highland terrain, long hours, and the possibility of very slow progress if the weather closes in.

The walk begins near Kinloch Hourn, the tiny settlement at the head of Loch Hourn, which is the nearest road access and the practical start point for most hikers heading to Barrisdale. From there, the route follows the well-known path west along the south side of the loch to Barrisdale Bay, then turns inland for the steep climb to Mam Barrisdale before branching onto the high ground for Stob a’ Choire Odhair and Ladhar Bheinn. Kinloch Hourn is the nearest significant landmark and the best address-style reference for the start. Barrisdale itself is several hours on foot beyond the road end. (en.wikipedia.org)

The opening section to Barrisdale is not just an approach march; it is a major part of the day. Expect around 10 km / 6.2 miles each way between Kinloch Hourn and Barrisdale, usually on a clear path but with constant undulation, wet patches, and enough roughness underfoot to sap energy before the main climb even begins. The lochside setting is spectacular, with steep mountain walls rising directly from the sea loch, and the sense of remoteness builds quickly once you leave the road behind. Scottish Natural Heritage’s description of this National Scenic Area highlights exactly that unusual sea-level-to-mountain-scale drama around Kinloch Hourn and Barrisdale. (visitknoydart.co.uk)

The route and what to expect

From Kinloch Hourn, the path to Barrisdale generally trends west-southwest along Loch Hourn. Although straightforward in clear weather, it is a long approach that should not be underestimated, especially on the return when tired legs meet repeated small climbs. Barrisdale Bay is a key landmark: a broad, beautiful inlet with estate buildings, camping ground, and shelter. Walkhighlands notes that the nearest road is Kinloch Hourn, about four hours away on foot, which gives a good sense of the isolation here. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From Barrisdale, the route climbs south then southeast up the glen path toward Mam Barrisdale, the bealach between the Knoydart interior and the Loch Hourn side. This is where the day changes character. The track becomes a sustained mountain ascent, and the views begin to open dramatically behind you over Barrisdale Bay and across to Beinn Sgritheall. The climb to the mam is steep enough to demand pacing, especially if the ground is wet or if you are carrying overnight gear.

At or near Mam Barrisdale, a cairned junction gives access toward Ladhar Bheinn. From here the route heads onto the mountain’s northeast side, climbing by stalkers’ paths and then rougher hill ground toward the ridge. The terrain becomes more serious: narrow sections of ridge, stony path, eroded lines, and in places a need for careful foot placement. Ladhar Bheinn is often approached from Barrisdale by way of Coire Dhorrcail and the northeast ridge, with Stob a’ Choire Odhair commonly included as part of the outing. Sources describing the standard Barrisdale approach also note that the mountain can involve some scrambling depending on the exact line taken, particularly if you extend onto rougher ridge sections. (en.wikipedia.org)

A common pattern is to gain the ridge, visit Ladhar Bheinn first, then return along the crest to include Stob a’ Choire Odhair before descending back toward Barrisdale.