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.
Stay close to the hill
Turn Ben Alder into part of a Highland break
Browse handpicked Scottish cottages ranked with cached road times to Munro route starts. Signed-in walkers can prioritise cottages by the hills still missing from their round.
Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.