Ben Alder · Beinn Bheoil
Ben Alder and Beinn Bheòil from Culra
Scramble · Grade 1Grade details
Grades describe the named technical sections, not every metre of the route.
Long Leachas (Summer): Grade 1 Grade reference
Route overview
This classic circular route from the remote staging post of Culra climbs two contrasting Munros. It tackles Ben Alder via the enjoyable, airy ridge of the Long Leachas before traversing the high, stony plateau. The return leg crosses a high pass to follow the undulating ridge of Beinn Bheòil, offering superb views over Loch Ericht.
Terrain and underfoot
The route features a mix of excellent stalkers' paths, faint hill tracks, and rough, pathless moorland. The ascent of the Long Leachas involves simple scrambling on a steep, rocky ridge with some exposure. Navigation on the vast Ben Alder plateau requires care in poor visibility, and the descent to Bealach Breabag is very steep and loose. The crossing of the Allt a' Bhealaich Bheithe can become impassable during spate conditions.
- Distance
- 17.3 km
- Ascent
- 1,089 m
- Typical time
- 5.5 - 7 hoursStandard moving time
- Your time
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- 2
Getting there and parking
Walking or cycling approach
Culra approach, separate from Dalwhinnie arrival
These routes begin at Culra, not at a road-accessible car park. Their listed distance excludes the approach from Dalwhinnie or another public arrival point, so allow for that separately.
- Before you go
- At Dalwhinnie, the old level crossing by the walkers car park is permanently closed. Use the railway underpass south of Ben Alder cottages, grid NN634841.
- Approach and overnight planning
- Do not rely on overnight shelter at Culra. The old bothy was demolished.