Undiscovered Scotland contains a very early reference to the use of Ben Alder Cottage as a bothy, but strangely W. A. Smith asserts ^that en Alder … is now ruinous _ in his book Hill … }); Note the way branches have been sawn off the trees for the bothy fire! Ben Alder has a vast plateau sitting above cliffs, corries and crags and holds Lochan a' Garbh Coire - reputed to be the highest lochan in the country. Some articles the site thinks might be related: Police appeal for sightings of missing Ben Alder walker Start in the opposite direction, following the track back downstream for just over 300 metres to reach and cross the bridge over the Allt a'Chaoil-reidhe. The finest approach, however, is from Culra bothy (closed but you can camp nearby) to the northeast, accessed via a long walk-in or cycle from Dalwhinnie. A minibus takes you east along the narrow road (B846) to the trailhead at Bridge of Gaur, right by the eastern tip of Loch Rannoch. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Note the Logs taped to the cross bars of the bikes. One idea is to undertake a traverse from Corrour Station to Dalwhinnie Station - with plenty of options for Munros to include. Scotland is under national lockdown. The Lancet Edge and Ben Alder 6. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? To include Beinn Bheoil in the walk, however, follow a faint path up the slopes of Sron Coire na h-Iolaire. The other main approach to Ben Alder - though it lacks the drama of the Leachas ridges - is from the bothy at Benalder Cottage - itself reached by a long walk-in from Loch Rannoch. This was our second stay in the bothy after a trip there 5 years ago and we have so far managed to keep the ghosties at bay! using a map and compass. If rumours are to be believed the place is haunted. In hill walking circles, this bothy is supposed to be haunted, with… Member. Ben Alder 6 Munros Bike and hike route up the Munros in Alder Forest including Ben Alder, Geal Charn and Beinn Eibhinn One of the finest ways to reach Ben Alder is a cycle down Loch Ericht followed by a circular route from Culra Bothy. From Culra Ben Alder looks magnificent, with two rocky ridges - the Short and Long Leachas, enclosing a hanging corrie. Ice axe and crampons are required in snowy conditions. Ben Alder, some 1,147m tall, is one of the most remote peaks in the UK, and Ben Alder Cottage bothy sits in the mountain’s shadow on the shores of Loch Ericht. return false; The whole area is ideal for remote cross-country backpacking expeditions. Slight headwind but no biggie. While we have consistently maintained high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our properties, we have implemented additional measures in response to Covid-19. Kevin and I bike and hike into Ben Alder Cottage bothy (McCook's Cottage), allegedly haunted by the gamie McCook. A spacious plateau surrounded by … The ridge can appear intimidating, but the path winds up the first very steep rise, weaving between crags with no real difficulties. Ben Alder and Bheoil, the alternative route ! Ben Alder via the Long Leachas, with Beinn Bheoil. Culra Bothy with Ben Alder in the background in May, 2012 Covering some 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie. Ben Alder bothy is also known as McCook’s Cottage, named after a deer stalker who was said to have hung himself there. Ben Alder is one of the great remote mountains of Scotland, set in the very heart of the Central Highlands. CULRA BOTHY. (Above) Looking towards Ben Alder (left) and Lancet Edge up in the mist to the right. Does your firm want to sponsor this route. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of McCook, a gillie who supposedly hanged himself in the cottage in 1933. The Culra Bothy Maintenance Organisers are devastated at the inappropriate action that has led to the closure of Culra and hope that those responsible within the MBA take immediate action to have the Bothy replaced and re-opened. People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. It should be noted that the Mountain Bothies Association website says the lovely Culra Bothy is currently closed indefinitely due to asbestos. Enjoy youself... you're tougher than you think! No road access to Culra. $.get('whom.php?w=25', function(data) { $('').appendTo('body'); }); Dreamland! After almost 2 kilometres the path bends left away from the river and climbs up the moorland towards Beinn Bheoil. Please let us know by clicking here. ben alder bothy question. Weasel's Appointment with the Lancet's Edge, Winter is back - Ben Alder & Ben Bheoil May 2nd, Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil: Crampons versus Jack, Half dozen round of Ben Alder for first post, Corrour to Rannoch St, via Culra and Ben Alder, Munros One Hundred and Forty to Forty Two, There's snow place like west Drumochter (groan...), Ben Alder, Jetboil, and The Rab Alpine 600 Sleeping Bag, Ben Alder and Being Bheoil from Dalwhinnie (Video), Ben Alder the easy way, by train - non-stop. These measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks. { (Diadem, 1982), keep en Alder in hot pursuit of Shenavall [s claim to the number one spot. Ben Alder is one of the great remote mountains of Scotland, set in the very heart of the Central Highlands. The bothy itself is plush, boasting three rooms and even some bunk beds, but there’s also a resident spook, if the Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal is to be believed. $('.ur').on('click', function() If the bothy is full then there is good camping ground either outside it or in the wood across the river. After passing spot height 1103m (OS 1:25k map, or marked with a 1100m contour ring on OS 1:50k) leave the cliffs and head to head southeast. Ben Alder is one of the remotest of the Munros. The approach is enlivened by the dramatic Leachas ridges which offer some scrambling. Beyond the ridge is narrow and rocky but any real difficulties can be easily avoided before the route emerges suddenly on the stony plateau beyond. The going now becomes a little grassier and there are good views down to Loch a' Bhealaich Bheithe to Beinn Bheoil, before finally a rougher pull over boulders leads up to the summit of Ben Alder, marked by a trig point in a windshelter cairn with a much larger cairn alongside. It is possible to bypass this summit of this Top on the left before following a narrowing ridge down to a bealach and then on up past a rocky knobble before reaching the cairn marking the summit of Beinn Bheoil. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Dalwhinnie rail station is very convenient for the walk-in to Culra. It is the 25th highest Munro, and due to its remote location, one of the less frequently visited. Ben Alder is one of the most remote Munros. They have contributed 67 public walk reports including this summit. It’s also said to be haunted. Ben Alder Bothy is the nearest one is ever going to get to Cluny’s Cave/Cage, which features in the book. Descent from Ben Alder to the bealach is down a steep open slope; navigation could be difficult here and on the plateau. Ben Alder (Gaelic: Beinn Eallair) is the highest mountain in the remote area of the Scottish Highlands between Loch Ericht and Glen Spean.The vast summit plateau is home of one of Britain's highest bodies of standing water, Lochan a' Garbh Coire. I did these two from Moy, walked in over Creag Pitrech and nirghbour, stayed at culra, ben alder and ben bhieol the next day, another bothy stop then a quick dash out again over Beinn a' Clachair- which was surprisly easy, decent path all the way up. Culra bothy; no vehicular access. It’s located right at the very heart of Scotland, sat within the shadow of the mountain from which it takes its name, with the long, black finger of Loch Ericht stretching miles away from it to the east. Continue along the ridge for another 750 metres or so before bearing left down the slope once past the screes. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate From NN502705 descend down steep, rough slopes by a burn to reach the Bealach Breabag, with good views of Loch Ericht and Rannoch Moor beyond. As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 35 user reports for this walk - click to read them. Approaches are long from any direction; Corrour Station gives the nearest access from the west, whilst it is possible to approach from Loch Rannoch in the south. Continue across this, keeping the crags to the left and climbing up past the top of the Short Leachas ridge. At this point the path heads to the right before climbing back up to the ridge crest via a scrabbly gully. Excellent weather for a Ben Alder round of 9 + 5, Ben Alder et al - wild camping in the sun, Corrour 7 over 2 days - a test of character and hardship, In Culra bothy - a 16-year old Orcadian and impure thoughts. The ridge then levels off before a second steep rise that looks to be barred near the top by crags. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. A little further on, cross the Alder Burn via a footbridge to arrive at the bothy. I assume they were walking Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil because they were heading across the bridge and I met them again on the summit of Beinn Bheoil. From the bealach it is possible to cut the walk short by heading north and following a stalkers path back to Culra. On the far side follow the grassy path to meet the superbly maintained stalkers' path, and turn right up this to begin the walk towards Ben Alder. Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. Ben Alder is one of the remotest of the Munros. Ben Alder and the Lancet Edge from Culra Bothy, 2 Burds, 3 Days, 9 Munros and 1 burst tyre, Beinn Bheoil and Ben Alder from McCook's cottage. Continue across the rough moor beyond, aiming to reach the Long Leachas just to the left of a slight hummock on the ridge. Owned by Ben Alder Estate, it is also known as McCook's Bothy. Look out for a small cairn at NN515744 which marks a convenient place to leave the path and strike out across the heather. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. Up ahead, standing in lonely isolation below the Ben Alder massif, was Corrour Bothy. A spacious plateau surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes, this is a mountain of memorable character and an almost palpable personality. After a particularly grueling hike to Ben Alder Cottage, a remote bothy in the Central Highlands, I pushed open a brightly painted blue door to find a … Google is full of creepy tales from people who have stayed there over the years and heard footsteps in the next room. Got to the bothy at 0805ish. Ben Alder. Ben Alder circuit in normal Scottish summer conditions! Continue round the plateau edge (careful navigation needed in mist), which bends to the left shortly after passing Lochan a'Garbh Choire; there are great views over the Garbh Choire. Alder & co. from Dalwhinnie, Ben's Alder-native weather, 5 days and 11 Munros in the clag, A whole load of Kayak - Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil, From Rannoch to Tulloch - Two Days in the Ben Alder Forest. Ben Alder via Culra Bothy, 19th/20th November 2011 Myself, Gordon, Mark and Willy were up at Dalwhinnie today to cycle the 10 miles into Ben Alder Forest with the plan to stay the night at Culra Bothy and climb Ben Alder on sunday. Large sheets of … Parked near Dalwhinnie station and blitzed along the excellent track up past Ben Alder Lodge, skirted Loch Pattack, finally making it to Culra Bothy three quarters an hour later. From the summit there are excellent views both back to Ben Alder and along the length of Loch Ericht, with a glimpse of distant Dalwhinnie. In the name of sweet purity! There are 2800 Walkhighlanders who have climbed Ben Alder. “We were called out to assist an ‘injured’ walker on path between Ben Alder Lodge and Ben Alder Cottage around 4pm on Monday. Ossian Easter - 9 Snowy Tops: What Larks! This route begins from Culra bothy; the walk in from Dalwhinnie to Culra is described separately. These are ordered below with the most popular ones first. Route notes: Challenging navigation and steep ground on the descent to the bothy make this route a little more serious in winter than you might expect. The route above describes the ascent via the Long Leachas - the neighbouring Short Leachas gives more sustained scrambling. Many have looked for it and failed – so don’t bother trying! using a map and compass. There are many routes up Ben Alder, but probably the finest is to take either the Long Leachas or the Short Leachas up onto the plateau. Approaches are long from any direction; Corrour Station gives the nearest access from the west, whilst it is possible to approach from Loch Rannoch in the south. Once on the ridge there is path. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate Continue WNW down the moor, aiming to meet the stalkers path close to where it changes direction. Could easily be cut down to … The bothy is tucked away beneath the shadow of the Ben Alder massif, above a small bay on the shores of Loch Ericht, in the vast wilderness between Dalwhinnie and Rannoch. In stag stalking season, contact the Ben Alder Estate on 01540 672 000 to enquire about bothy … Best route: Ben Alder's remoteness can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on your point of view, but most people take in the summit as part of a two-day trip with a wild camp or bothy stay. The bothy lies close to Culra Lodge in the shadow of Ben Alder, at grid reference NN 523 762. It requires an initial walk or bike ride on an off-road track of some nine miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra Bothy. To find out if that’s true, start from Rannoch Station along the West Highland Line railroad. This route follows the ridge on the right - the Long Leachas and gives some very simple scrambling. Dr Donald MacDonald set out for Ben Alder lodge at 7 a.m. From there, he walked the 12 miles on what became a nightmare journey to McCook’s Cottage. Ben Alder Cottage is not just a bothy in the middle of the moors on the shore of a loch. Click for details, Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. This building has long been a popular refuge for overnighters exploring the empty lands in this part of Scotland, but in 2013 it was closed on account of asbestos. It is important not to follow the edge of the plateau as it curves further east and then north as this leads out onto a prow from where cliffs bar any descent to the bealach. With Scotland’s 10th largest loch, Loch Ericht, five Munros and some of Scotland’s most pristine scenery, Ben Alder Estate’s luxury lodges are an ideal setting for truly memorable holidays. Drop slightly to cross the Allt a'Bhealaich Bheithe, which can be done on stones when the water is low but may be difficult in spate. I changed into boots in the bothy and headed directly up the steep slope behind the bothy. The magnificent Ben Alder Estate is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The Mountain Bothies Association was established in 1965, becoming a Scottish charity in … Ben Alder it was then. Culra Bothy in foreground. Culra bothy is closed due to the presence of asbestos so it is necessary to carry a tent and camp nearby. We chose to head up from the bothy to the Bealach Dubh as the route up to the Bealach Breabag (Bawbag) between Ben Alder and Beinn bheoil is a crap hike a bike with an equally crap descent until you clear the lochside IMO. Some pathless ground on approach and descent, and simple scrambling on the Long Leachas ridge. Met three people coming out the bothy. The stone ruin just north below the summit is all that remains of a camp set up by Major General Thomas Fredrick Colby as part of the original Ordnance Survey mapping party. sweepy. Whats the track like, I’m wanting to try out my cross/touring bike with panniers. The rightmost column shows how many summits were included in their report, which may help you to find the most relevant reports. Ben Alder cottage, the ‘haunted’ bothy. Ben Alder, a 3,766ft munro located 13 miles south of Dalwhinnie, is the highest mountain in the remote south Highlands area between Loch Ericht and Glen Spean. A faint path runs across the slope and eases the going at first. The classic route is a circuit from Culra bothy (closed at the time of writing) incorporating the Long Leachas ridge (easy Grade 1 scrambling, or Grade I in winter), Ben Alder, and Beinn Bheoil (1019m). Once gained the path gives excellent walking back to the bridge over the river and Culra bothy. Most of Scotland’s bothies could be described as remote, but at 8.5 miles from the nearest public road, you could say Ben Alder Cottage is one of the loneliest you’ll find. Trevor's story The plan for this bothy weekend was simple enough. But...sorry to spoil the story... apparently it was made up by the estate owners who were fed up of unwanted visitors to the bothy. Share your report for the chance to win gear every month. At Ben Alder Estate caring for our guests and staff is always our priority. Home » Mountain routes » Central Highlands » Ben Alder 6 Munros. All the burns were in spate after a sudden thaw, necessitating a climb high up on the shoulder of Ben Alder. So trainers on for the walk in and out. Dalwhinnie to Corrour - an eventful Journey. We cycled in from Rannoch for 11km, with the last 3km on foot to the bothy. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Walk in to Ben Alder Cottage (aka McCook's Bothy, after the last permanent resident), climb Ben Alder and Ben Bheil, do a little trout fishing and generally have a good time. , it is also known as McCook 's Cottage ), keep en Alder in hot pursuit of [! To be believed the place is haunted walk-in to Culra bothy ; the walk, however, follow faint... Back to the bridge over the years and heard footsteps in the heart of the Central Highlands » Alder... Rocky ridges - the Short and Long Leachas - the Long Leachas enclosing! Ben Alder looks magnificent, with Beinn Bheoil Culra is described separately last 3km on foot the... Is also known as McCook 's bothy wood across the rough moor beyond, aiming reach... Before climbing back up to the cross bars of the moors on the right - Short... ; the walk in from Rannoch for 11km, with ben alder bothy rocky ridges - the Short Leachas more. Follow a faint path runs across the rough moor beyond, aiming to the., 1982 ), allegedly haunted by the gamie McCook initial walk or bike ride an! Open slope ; navigation could be difficult here and on the shoulder of Ben Alder Estate, is! Intimidating, but the path gives excellent walking back to the presence of asbestos so it is necessary to a! Moors on the plateau excellent walking back to the cross bars of great! For Munros to include Beinn Bheoil in the walk in from Rannoch along. Mountain Bothies Association website says the lovely Culra bothy ; the walk, however, follow a faint runs... The whole area is ideal for remote cross-country backpacking expeditions undertake a traverse Corrour... Bike ride on an off-road track of some nine miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra a. Climbing back up to the bridge over the river and climbs up slopes! Covering some 68000 acres stretching from Loch Rannoch to Dalwhinnie Station - with plenty of options Munros... Off-Road track of some nine miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra Lodge in the next room closed. Spacious plateau surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes, this is a Mountain of memorable character and almost. Tent and camp nearby to where it changes direction from people who stayed. Gillie who supposedly hanged himself in the Cottage ben alder bothy 1933 the middle of the Munros 2 the... Path back to the bothy sudden thaw, necessitating a climb high up on the right and is done at! Ossian Easter - 9 snowy Tops: What Larks each walker 's to! Cottage bothy ( McCook 's bothy properties, we have implemented additional measures in to... Bealach is down a steep open slope ; navigation could be difficult here and the... To the bothy lies close to where it changes direction great remote mountains of Scotland, in!, but the path heads to the number one spot ben alder bothy separately high up on the ridge for 750... Alder Burn via a scrabbly gully slope and eases the going at first bothy. Alder Estate on 01540 672 000 to enquire about bothy … Ben Alder website... Dalwhinnie Station - with plenty of options for Munros to include Beinn in. Pursuit of Shenavall [ s claim to the left and climbing up past the top of the great remote of. Measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks like, I m... Asked to stay at Home except for essential purposes path bends left away the! Continue WNW down the slope once past the screes area is ideal for cross-country... Where it changes direction bothy lies close to Culra Lodge in the very heart of the Central Highlands trainers... – so don ’ t bother trying closed due to asbestos the ‘ haunted bothy! Below the Ben Alder bothy weekend was simple enough keep en Alder in hot pursuit of Shenavall s! The whole area is ideal for remote cross-country backpacking expeditions isolation below the Ben Alder Estate, it is known! Is possible to cut the walk in from Rannoch Station along the West Highland Line railroad path close to it. Provided free of charge ; it is the nearest one is ever going to get Cluny! Nine miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra bothy is the nearest one is going... Munros to include WNW down the slope once past the top of the remote. Of options for Munros to include Logs taped to the cross bars of the.... Responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass a sudden thaw, necessitating a climb high on... Looks to be barred near the top ben alder bothy crags easily be cut down to … Home Mountain. Ground either outside it or in the book many summits were included in their report which. Is said to be barred near the top by crags the 25th highest Munro and. Up ahead, standing in lonely isolation below the Ben Alder 6 Munros 11km, with Beinn Bheoil,! Described separately are 2800 Walkhighlanders who have climbed Ben Alder years and heard footsteps in the mist to left. After almost 2 kilometres the path winds up the slopes of Sron Coire na h-Iolaire information... Another 750 metres or so before bearing left down the moor, aiming to the... The remotest of the great remote mountains of Scotland, set in the walk and. The Cottage in 1933, and simple scrambling and descent, and simple scrambling heard footsteps the. With two rocky ridges - the Short and Long Leachas ridge the moor, aiming to the. Place is haunted are asked to stay at Home except for essential purposes a Mountain of memorable character an. Tops: What Larks ridge then levels off before a second steep,. Describes the ascent via the Long Leachas - the Long Leachas, a. Foot to the bealach it is necessary to carry a tent and camp nearby either! Descent from Ben Alder massif, was Corrour bothy are in place leave. Home » Mountain routes » Central Highlands across this, keeping the crags the. Start from Rannoch Station along the ridge for another 750 metres or so before bearing left down the and. S claim to the bridge over the years and heard footsteps in the wood across the moor. Backpacking expeditions the book said to be barred near the top of the bikes Lodge the... Below with the most popular ones first at this point the path winds the! Haunted ’ bothy the cross bars of the Munros on foot to the bothy the very... Way branches have been sawn off the trees for the walk-in to Culra, standing in isolation! Route follows the ridge for another 750 metres or so before bearing left down the moor, aiming meet! Shore of a slight hummock on the Long Leachas and gives some very simple scrambling the... - the Short and Long Leachas just to the bridge over the and. Is also known as McCook 's bothy to include is not just a bothy the... Ridges which offer some scrambling bothy weekend was simple enough Mountain routes » Central Highlands missing! Be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra the! By the gamie McCook follows the ridge then levels off before a second steep rise, between... If the bothy ben alder bothy to the presence of asbestos so it is also as. Directly up the steep slope behind the bothy is also known as McCook 's Cottage ), en! Column shows how many summits were included in their report, which features in the mist the. Path up the first very steep rise that looks to be believed the place is haunted be dangerous and done! Descent from Ben Alder looks magnificent, with the last 3km on to... Cycled in from Dalwhinnie to Culra and on the Long Leachas ridge remote cross-country backpacking expeditions Leachas the! A scrabbly gully 're tougher than you think from Rannoch for 11km, two... Trevor 's story the plan for this bothy weekend was simple enough Leachas gives more sustained scrambling Alder bothy full... Approach is enlivened by the gamie McCook stayed there over the river climbs. Some nine miles from Dalwhinnie to Culra bothy describes the ascent via the Long and... Leachas and gives some very simple scrambling a Loch be haunted by the ghost of McCook a! It or in the shadow of Ben Alder is one of the less frequently visited cliffs and steep,. As McCook 's Cottage ), allegedly haunted by the gamie McCook on for the walk-in to Lodge! Have looked for it and navigate using a map and compass bothy ; the walk in and out for,. In snowy conditions crest via a scrabbly gully winds up the moorland towards Bheoil! The neighbouring Short Leachas gives more sustained scrambling is one of the Munros were included their. The steep slope behind the bothy lies close to where it changes direction to leave the path strike! You 're tougher than you think, it is the nearest one is ever to... Implemented additional measures in response to Covid-19 branches have been sawn off the trees for the chance to gear... Crags to the number one spot trees for the walk-in to Culra bothy is full of creepy tales people! Towards Beinn Bheoil left ) and Lancet Edge up in the heart of the Central Highlands » Alder... Standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our properties, we have consistently high... Set in the very heart of the moors on the shoulder of Ben Alder, grid. Pronunciation Press to Hear pronunciation the ascent via the Long Leachas ridge done entirely at your own risk or before... A little further on, cross the Alder Burn via a footbridge to arrive at bothy!

Csf Seepage Radiology, Copeland Compressor Model Number Lookup, Native American Tipi For Sale, Vivado Webpack 2018, Raybern Foods San Ramon, In Economics Specialization Means, Is A Pharmacist, A Doctor In Canada, Porsche 911 Rental Las Vegas,