Cruach Innse and Sgurr Innse

This pair of Corbetts may be dwarfed by the massive Munros all around them, but provide an enjoyable hillwalk in their own right. Both hills - and especially Sgurr Innse - have extensive rocky ground and great character.

Terrain

Some pathless sections; steep ground on both hills with careful route-finding needed on Sgurr Innse.

Public Transport

None to start; train or bus to Spean Bridge

Users' reports

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Start

Parking off track at NN255788 beyond Corriechoille. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 13km/8 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 890m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NN255788

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Cruach Innse
Corbett: Sgurr Innse

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Reaching the start of this walk involves driving up a very rough track from Corriechoille, itself just beyond the end of a minor road from Spean Bridge. The track is heavily pot-holed and if driven requires great care to avoid damage. There is parking on the left (where the road meets the line of an old tramway) at NN255788. Begin the walk by continuing along the track, soon passing the Wee Minister - a wooden statue that replaces an old stone sculpture and could be frightening if come upon in the dark! The minister enjoys a fine view looking out over the Great Glen.

Stage 2

Continue on the track, climbing through a mix of forestry and felled areas. It passes through two gates and then curves left to cross a bridge over the Allt Leachdach, with Cruach Innse rising as a dome ahead. After around 350m beyond the bridge, leave the track by an area quarried for grit, heading east up the pathless slopes to reach the foot of the broad north ridge of Cruach Innse. Head directly up this ill-defined ridge - the ascent is fairly steep but the terrain is straightforward, and superb views open up over Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge.

Stage 3

The slope eases onto the flatter summit area, marked by a cairn. The views are good, with the higher mountains all around seen to good effect the Grey Corries are particularly dominant. Continue to reach the top of the ridge which descends from the south end of the plateau. From here a path leads clearly down the steep ridge and avoids any rocky difficulties - at one point diverting left at a crag and then cutting back right to the ridge line along a rake.

Stage 4

Eventually the path leads down to the broad Bealach na Cruaiche. Continue towards Sgurr Innse ahead, which looks formidable. An obvious wide rake of grass and boulders slopes up from right to left; probably the easiest line is to head for the foot of this but then climb up to the right to pass around the broken rocky rib just beyond it. Then turn left to head up a narrower, steeper rake. After crossing a section of boulders a clear path begins which can be followed upwards.

Stage 5

At one point the path to the summit makes a left turn - another path continues ahead here and leads down into a very steep scree gully, so remember this t-junction on the descent when you should turn right here to retrace your steps. The summit is then reached without difficulty, a small cairn standing on a rib of rock. Stob Ban looks fine to the SW, but it is the view along the Allt Laire towards Loch Laggan that catches the eye.

Stage 6

Retrace your steps carefully back down to the bealach, now with excellent views of Cruach Innse ahead. From the bealach descend west down heathery slopes and the soggy floor of the glen to reach the Lairig Leacach track.

Stage 7

Turn right and follow the track all the way back to the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.