u/DontCheckMyReference

For my final leg between Kinlochleven and Fort William, I am planning a route across the Mamores based on Turnbull’s Not the West Highland Way. I think I’d like to try setting out from Kinlochleven along the pink line going counterclockwise then picking up the cyan line at the col between Am Bodach and Sgor an Iubhair. That line descends at the next col (cyan arrow). What I’m wondering is how feasible it is to instead pick up the red line (Ring of Steall route) and descend northwest after tagging Sgurr a Mhaim (red arrow). Is there anything particularly difficult about that route? I’m just wondering why Turnbull didn’t make Sgurr a Mhaim part of his suggested route.

It’s less than 2 weeks before my walk begins, and I’m planning to work in Not the West Highland Way routes where I can. For the leg between Kingshouse and Kinlochleven, Turnbull says he believes it’s okay to jump the gate at the Blackwater Dam and cross along the top of it, the alternative being to descend and cross below it. As I am a visitor to the country I don’t plan on jumping over any gates unless I’m very sure it’s okay…but I’m also not sure about crossing below the dam. Is there an outlet that needs to be waded?

Has anybody taken that route (Red line on the map) who can share their experience? The arrow marks the dam.