The Saddle, Glen Shiel

This walk takes in the two Munro's The Saddle & Sgurr na Sgine at the west end of Glen Shiel. Starting from the car park on the A87 (NG968143) an excellent track takes you all the way to the start of the Forcan Ridge which gave an enjoyable scramble to the trig point on The Saddle.
The weather was stunning and the warmth with little wind was terrific.

Great video 👏 beautiful scenery and just the sound of a gentle breeze - thanks for sharing

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello, Many thanks, really glad you enjoyed it. You've just got to leave these classics for a settled weather day to get the full enjoyment..... simply stunning. Cheers

[@glencoe100]

Superb video mate

[@Spookrider100]

Easily the most relaxing videos to watch on YT, thanks Charlie.

[@cairnscrow8713]

Those views have to be the best I have ever seen in the entire UK. Thanks for sharing. You two briskly stride and glide along those mountains like you were simply walking along a high street, respect Sirs

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello, Many thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the trip to Glen Shiel. Remember, looks can be decieving as our glided is more like crunch & creak. ATB, Charlie.

[@johngalloway7666]

Wow, I must have watched all your videos twice, maybe three times, but this one makes my legs wobble. Some really scary looking ridge walking and some of the best footage of Scottish Countryside that I,ve ever seen. Thank you guys so much for these films, they are amazing. Safe Climbing Lads !

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi John, Glad you enjoy tagging along on our adventure. The hills look a bit worse than they actually are but a head for heights are certainly required on The Saddle. Take care, Charlie.

[@malcolmabram2957]

I have to say I watch a number of Highland walking videos, but yours I find the best. So relaxed, and so well videoed capturing the landscape as if one was actually there.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Malcolm, It's terrific you enjoy tagging along on our outings..... you're very welcome. Certainly a great record to look through on the cold, dark winter nights. Take care, Charlie.

[@davidseddon8068]

A lovely clip! I do value your commentary which is informative without being excessive. I am also grateful that you have chosen not to have accompanying music! The rhythm of movement and the sound of the wind is music in itself. Thank you

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi David, Many thanks for taking the time to view. You're right about the sound as it's an integral part of the days walk, good or bad and should reflect the conditions. Cheers, Charlie.

[@JagerScot-01]

Great pair of hills which you have captured so well Charlie. Was camping on Buidhe Bheinn the Corbett directly behind this pair above Kinloch Hourn last night. No midges but was plagued by they rubber feeling Deer Keds, horrible creatures. Great vid again mate. Cheers

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Scott, We were not all that far away from each other, Scotland isn't that big :). We saw quite a few Deer Keds as well... bloody things. I get paranoid about this group of insects since catching lyme disease a few years back. Just can't be too careful and keep everything covered as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing your trip with the views down Loch Hourn. Take care, Charlie.

[@matrix7278]

great video thanks for sharing, We will be doing this in a couple of weeks.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi matrix, I hope you get similar weather conditions so you can fully enjoyed the experience. It would be s shame not to see anything in the clag. Enjoy...... Cheers, Charlie

[@philipproctor2663]

Hiya Charlie what a fantastic day's walking with glorious weather you had, two excellent munro's in Glen shiel did them myself many years ago in similar weather as yourselves i found forcan ridge not a problem , as usual film and commentary just excellent, can't wait for another video

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Philip, Many thanks for watching and glad you had a memory jolt from your own trip. Take care, Charlie.

[@colinmorrison1507]

An absolutely perfect day for it, great stuff lads.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Colin, glad you enjoyed our Glen Shiel outing. It really was one of those special days making up for the not so nice outings. ATB, Charlie.

[@fredrich12341]

Amazing video Charlie! It is honestly so great watching someone getting out into the hills with as much knowledge of the surrounding areas as yourself and who just clearly enjoys it so much. Awesome resource for walks i'd never heard of to add to the list as well.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi fredrich, Great that you are enjoying looking at the videos and use the channel as a resource. It's great to share experiences of others and get a feel for the walk before hand. Many thanks for watching and take care in these challenging times. Cheers, Charlie.

[@mrsmch4730]

Great video! I've been watching lots of your posts... I'm pretty new to hillwalking, and your movies provide so much useful info on what to expect... including the advice on alternative (less scary!) routes to the summit - which is brilliant for 'fearties' like me who don't fancy the scramble... or the scary ridge-walks! It makes our beautiful hills feel so much more accessible to folks like me. Thank you!

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello Mrs McH, glad you enjoy watching our clips and use them as a resource for future walks. Hope your getting out now restrictions have eased. Take care, Charlie

[@hillsthings4077]

Stunning video as ever guys, inspirational stuff. I must be round about the same vintage as you and am in awe of your ability to romp over all these hills. I did the Saddle and Forcan ridge years ago when I was young, fit and stupid, I didn't even notice the down-climb in those days. I'd be terrified now! Looking forward to your next trip, I imagine you'll be out in the high pressure we currently have. I'm stuck in southern England pining...

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Hills & Things, Many thanks for watching our Glen Shiel trip. The hills continue to be a great escape and enjoyment even although it certainly doesn't get any easier :) Take care, Charlie.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Great stuff Charlie, cracking day for the Forcan Ridge. Never done that down climb just before the summit, always opted for the bypass path.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Robin, I've been up the scrabble but never down. It just doesn't look inviting from the top :). Cheers, Charlie.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@charliemccartney7055 haha, nah it doesn't, I'd give it a bash from the bottom though.

[@JohnAnderson-lx2nd]

Just started climbing recently and these video's have been a great watch to get an idea what i was coming up against . Excellent 👍

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi John, Glad you enjoy our outings and many thanks for watching. It's certainly handy to have YT for a reference before heading out. Take care, Charlie.

[@PAADVENTURES1]

Great Video and fantastic views. The weather since Thursday has been exceptional and this blue skies! wow. Thanks for sharing again.. ATB Paul.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Paul, This has certainly been a settled spell of weather giving us the urge to get north of the great glen. Many thanks for watching. ATB, Charlie.

[@PAADVENTURES1]

@@charliemccartney7055 Charlie, planning on giving this a go at the weekend...are there areas to camp near the road here? Ta Paul

[@charliemccartney7055]

@@PAADVENTURES1 There is a few places which are popular 1. Loch Cluanie (NH144104) 2. East of the Cluanie Inn on the track for the South Shiel Ridge (NH079117) 3.Just passed the Kintail Hotel you can turn off the road at (NG941200)and have a sea view. 4. Shiel Bridge campsite. Its always a busy glen with campers & vans but 3. would be my preference. Remember and go prepare for midges on steriods as they are horrendous.... I'll keep my fingers crossed for a breeze. Have a great trip.

[@PAADVENTURES1]

@@charliemccartney7055 thanks for that Charlie! Will loosely plan for 3. Got a full hazmat suit looked out! 😉. Paul

[@ianevans7110]

Stunning Video, Charlie, showing the very best of these two wonderful hills. Indeed it was a great day on Saturday and superb for photography. You captured the character of the Forcan ridge very well indeed - probably the best film of it that I have seen. Sadly the legs won't carry me that way any more, but you've given me the incentive to try it by the traversing path. As it's just down the road from me it'll be worth another go this autumn :-).

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Ian, The path on these two is a big advantage as it takes the gradual route to the height. On a settled Autumn day they take a bit of beating. Enjoy them when they come... Cheers, Charlie.

[@retrospective77]

Your videos are keeping me going through this Winter Charlie, giving me the itch for next Summer. You should definitely have more subscribers! Keep up the great work.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi oms2020, Really glad you enjoy tagging along with us. Just hope the weather gives plenty opportunity to add to the library through the winter months. Take care, Charlie.

[@hikingwithfrank315]

Another cracking video Charlie, hoping to do these 2 before the end of the year. I’ll wait for a good dry day so that I can enjoy the ridge. Frank.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Frank, Your right to keep for a stick on weather day as these are a super pair and just a bit different when you include the ridge. ATB, Charlie.

[@jimf671]

Good work Charlie. The ramp leaving the path at the bottom of the ridge shown at 3:44 has had some dangerous loose rock at times and should be approached with caution. Routes onto the ridge to the right of this feature can be used instead. Exposure is never far away but for the more technical features, in summer, there are usually escape routes to the side. The big down-step shown at 7:40 is an easy downclimb for those accustomed to rock climbing since there are plenty decent jugs to hang onto. The alternative is a less technical route to the side, usually left (south) but periodically this has some problems with loose rock and caution is advised. Helmets are recommended. The wall pointed out 3:28 and later used on decent can be hard-going underfoot and a direct line from the lochan in the bealach to the bottom of the ridge is a more easy going route down in dry firm conditions in spite of the need to lose and regain a little height along the way. Those feeling really energetic who cannot get enough of this sort of ground may wish to descend back down the ridge, experiencing the features of the ridge anew in the opposite direction.

[@maxamillian23]

Charlie, fantastic video mate, the weather gods were certainly on your side this time. I went up the Saddle last month, missed out on the Forcan ridge, bit too wet and slippery for my liking. Came off Sgurr na Sgine over the top of Faochag and down, that was interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello, our last visit to Sgurr na Sgine went over Faochag which was well worth the trip. Many thanks for watching. Cheers, Charlie

[@tomgreene2282]

Good video...thanks for upload.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Tom, many thanks for watching. ATB Charlie

[@wjoest6694]

very impressive video Charlie - stunning!

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Wolfgang, Hope you are well...... We had a cracker. You've just got to try and take advantage when the weather is virtually guaranteed. It's cooling down so days like this will be in short supply through to the years end. Take Care, Charlie.

[@metalmen6665]

Beautiful weather for hiking. Nice film.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello, A wee bit of that weather would be a nice change at moment as winter is dragging on. Many thanks for watching. Take care, Charlie.

[@metalmen6665]

@@charliemccartney7055 I'm live in Scotland and l looking for nice hiking routes. Your videos inspire me.

[@charliemccartney7055]

@@metalmen6665 No shortage of walking routes of all grades. It's a magic place for the outdoors. www.walkhighlands.co.uk is a good resource page if you haven't discovered it yet. Take care, Charlie.

[@metalmen6665]

@@charliemccartney7055 I use this website a lot. I look forward to your next movies

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Hey Charlie, The views you got were exceptional!! Love some of those camera angles also... That was top drawer. Thank you! L&D :-)

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi D&L, Just saw your wee snippet of the next adventure and looking forward to it. Thanks for taking a look at our Glen Shiel outing yesterday, it was stunning. Take care, Charlie.

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

Charlie McCartney thanks Charlie. 😊🙏

[@jakollee]

Great video! So it looks like there is a way to bypass the “bad step” coming down the Forcan Ridge?

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello Jakollee, Yes, you can miss the bad step if you don't fancy it on the day. Cheers, Charlie.

[@jakollee]

@@charliemccartney7055 thanks, good to have that option!

[@williambell8282]

There is a short sharp scramble up the east ridge of Sgurr na Sgine which is worth a look.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi William, I've come up the east side many years ago. I remember looking over the east side from the summit and thinking that the whole face looked quite steep. Need to give it another go when we're next up that way. Cheers, Charlie.

[@jimriding1074]

Great views as usual and the commentary is excellent, you know your Munros and all the other hills. What camera do you use as the quality is excellent? Thanks.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi Jim, I have the GoPro 7 Black and generally shoot in 4k, 30fps. Many thanks for watching. ATB, Charlie.

[@Destro7000]

What kinda camera are you using? Seems to have a great wide angle.

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hello, I use GoPro cameras for capturing the walking footage. I currently have the Hero 9 but this was the Hero 7. Cheers, Charlie.

[@memudd]

I am a novice but keen to do some more advanced climbing. What is the best advice you can give for tackling ridges ?

[@charliemccartney7055]

Hi memudd, Continue getting out and gaining experience on smaller, less challenging tops where it's great to practice your navigation skills and hill craft. Slowly you'll start to target more demanding, craggy tops and routes that give you a bit of exposure without being serious ridges. Areas like the Grey Corries, Glen Shiel and Mamores have many tops that are above your normal hill walk. Obviously, using resources, like guide books, walkhighlands and KZbin, to raise awareness of the challenge before you go will help greatly. Lastly, go with another more experienced walker who can mentor through the day, although I accept this isn't always possible. Cheers

[@matthewboothman129]

What was the loch called at 14.50 where u showed a track to walk along side?

[@charliemccartney7055]

Matthew, You walk along Loch Hourn from Kinloch Hourn if you are walking into Barrisdale Bay for access to the west end Knoydart hills. Take a look at kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaXFZKF3i5KXgpI Cheers, Charlie.

[@matthewboothman129]

@@charliemccartney7055 thank you

[@stevehorner8302]

Which prat put a thumbs down?