Ladhar Bheinn

Ladhar Bheinn, at 1,020 metres, is regarded by many hillwalkers as among the finest mountains in Scotland, enjoying a superb position on the western seaboard deep within the remote Knoydart peninsula — dramatic ridges, huge crags falling into Coire Dhorrcail, and sensational sea and mountain views from its multiple summits.

Most walkers access this Munro either via the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie, or via the long walk along the southern shore of Loch Hourn to Barrisdale Bay — either way, an overnight stay is usually required given the remoteness. From Inverie, a track heads towards Kinloch Hourn and Strathan before joining the route from Barrisdale Bay; the path climbs steeply to the Bealach Coire Dhorrcail, with a couple of short, straightforward scrambly sections before easing across a series of knobbly bumps, with dramatic glimpses down into Coire Dhorrcail's impressive, if too vegetated for climbing, crags. One final awkward move up a rocky band — a big step for some, easier in descent, or a more exposed line of smaller ledges to the left — precedes a steep grassy climb to the east summit's tiny cairn, with sensational views back along the ridge and down to Barrisdale and Loch Hourn.

The true summit lies a short distance further along the ridge, enjoying what may be one of the finest views of any Munro — the wide expanse of the sea, with the Cuillin of Skye and Rùm prominent. A third summit, topped by a broken trig point, follows before the ridge descends, eventually reaching a bealach short of a lochan, from where a descent south-west down the steep, rocky Coire Garbh leads back towards the glen.

The classic circuit of Coire Dhorrcail from Barrisdale Bay, involving steep scrambling up to Stob a' Chearcaill, is regarded by many as the finest route on the mountain, though shorter than the full Aonach Sgoilte ridge circuit from Inverie, which is magnificent in its own right.

The round trip is typically seven to nine hours depending on route and starting point; many extend the visit into a multi-day expedition taking in the neighbouring Munros of Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe as the celebrated "Knoydart Three."

This is a serious, remote mountain requiring genuine scrambling competence on several sections and full self-sufficiency given the distance from any help — bad weather can make the whole undertaking considerably more committing, and full navigation skills are essential throughout.

There is no vehicle access; the ferry from Mallaig serves Inverie, and Barrisdale is reached only on foot from Kinloch Hourn.