Corbett · Knoydart
Braigh nan Uamhachan
Braigh nan Uamhachan — "the brae of the little caves" — is a 765m Corbett north of Glenfinnan in the wild country between Loch Eilt and Loch Arkaig. The hill is a long ridge of grass and rock with several small bumps along its 3km crest. The summit is a rocky outcrop with views west to the Rough Bounds, north into the Loch Arkaig forest, and south down Loch Eilt to the Sound of Arisaig. Pairs naturally with Streap on the ridge to the south.
Quick facts
- Height
- 765m/ 2510ft
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 627 m
- Time
- 4–7 hrs
- Grid ref
- NM975867
- Parking
- NM917800
- Nearest city
- Fort William
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
glen track 25% · deep heather 45% · grassy upper slopes 20% · summit area 10%
Start from the lay-by on the A830 near Glenfinnan and follow the stalkers path north up the Allt na Cruaiche. After roughly 4km, climb pathless heather slopes west onto the broad south ridge of Braigh nan Uamhachan and follow it over several small tops to the summit outcrop. Around 14km return with 627m of ascent. Sometimes combined with Streap (its higher Corbett neighbour) for a long and demanding ridge traverse.
Terrain
The Allt na Cruaiche stalkers path is firm peat. Off the path the hillside is rough heather and grass — pathless and slow. The summit ridge is short heather and small rock outcrops; navigation across the several similar bumps demands attention in mist. No exposure on the standard line but the connecting ridge to Streap involves significant re-ascent.
In winter
A typical Lochaber west-coast winter Corbett — open ridge picks up full Atlantic loading, but no avalanche slopes on the standard line. The summit ridge cornices on its east side after south-westerly storms. The A830 is gritted and reliable. Bring full kit for the exposed ridge above 600m.
This hill is in the Glen Coe SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 53m
- Edinburgh3h 17m
OS maps: OS Landranger 40
Mobile signal: Intermittent on the A830 corridor; nothing on the upper hill
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:38
- Sunset
- 22:00
- Civil dawn
- 03:37
- Civil dusk
- 23:01
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Braigh nan Uamhachan.
Around Braigh nan Uamhachan on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Glenfinnan station
Glenfinnan Viaduct; Streap, Sgurr Thuilm, Glen Finnan Munros
9km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Fort William
Ben Nevis base, West Highland Line, gateway to Lochaber
18km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
18km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Braigh nan Uamhachan — common questions
- How hard is Braigh nan Uamhachan?
- Braigh nan Uamhachan is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 14km with 627m of ascent and takes most walkers 4-7 hours. Terrain: The Allt na Cruaiche stalkers path is firm peat.
- Where do I park for Braigh nan Uamhachan?
- Standard parking is at NM917800 near Fort William. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Braigh nan Uamhachan?
- The standard good-weather months for Braigh nan Uamhachan are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Braigh nan Uamhachan?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Braigh nan Uamhachan?
- Intermittent on the A830 corridor; nothing on the upper hill
- Is Braigh nan Uamhachan safe in winter?
- A typical Lochaber west-coast winter Corbett — open ridge picks up full Atlantic loading, but no avalanche slopes on the standard line. The summit ridge cornices on its east side after south-westerly storms. The A830 is gritted and reliable. Bring full kit for the exposed ridge above 600m.