Sgurr na Utha is a rather sprawling but extremely rocky mountain to the northwest of Glenfinnan. It gives a fairly short hillwalk; the summit offers superb views of the nearby mountains and along the length of lonely Loch Beoraid.
Summary
Good track for the initial part of the ascent, then pathless walking on rocky, boggy and complex ground; navigation could be trick in mist.
Terrain
NM873816
Grid ref
9km/5.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Bus services run along the A830; Glenfinnan (2.5km) has a train station.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is a layby on the south side of the A830 just west of the bridge over the Allt an Utha, a few kilometres west of Glenfinnan. Begin from here and walk along the verge back over the bridge. A short distance further a small track goes off left into the forestry; head up this. Almost immediately there is a gate; it is usually locked but there are big gaps between the wooden bars so it is possible to step through. Continue on the track which heads uphill, curving to the left and soon reaching the open ground above the trees. The track comes close to the tumbling Allt an Utha, whilst the summit of Sgurr an Utha also becomes visible, not looking particularly distinguished from this direction.
2. Soon a junction is reached; a smaller track continues ahead and crosses a wooden bridge, whilst the main track swings sharply to the right. Stay on the main track, which quickly gains height, giving some fine views back of the low peak of Sgurr a'Mhuidhe which has large areas of outcropping slabby rocks.
3. The track passes above a boggy area and continues to climb rapidly, swinging sharp right at one point. The southwest ridge of Sgurr an Utha can be seen across the glen, with many rocky slabs - this ridge forms the descent route. Continue up the track until it ends at a small turning area. From here the ascent is pathless, but the steepest ground is already behind as the route continues to the east up the open slope of the Druim na Brein-Choille. Once the wide and ill-defined ridge is reached there is an excellent view along Loch Eil directly ahead.
4. From here the route turns east-northeast towards Fraoch-bheinn. The high ground is broad with many rocky outcrops, low crags and great slabs of mica-schist with fantastically-twisted strata, interspersed with peaty hollows; this section could be very confusing to navigate in misty conditions. Work your way across by line of least resistance. It isn't necessary to head all the way to the summit of Fraoch-bheinn as it can be bypassed to the left.
5. Sgurr an Utha looks a broad dome of rocky slabs from here. Descend, now on slightly easier ground, to the bealach at a height of 735 metres. The ascent beyond is straightforward and quickly accomplished. The summit cairn is perched on a rocky knoll and makes a fine airy perch, falling away precipitously on the north side. As a viewpoint Sgurr an Utha is superb, with a great prospect over this remarkably rugged area; a rarity is the view down the length of little-seen Loch Beoraid.
6. From the summit descend the similarly ill-defined southwest ridge. Again, this is rocky, but in clear weather it is easy to avoid any particularly steep ground. At around 470 metres leave the 'ridge' and follow the line of a stream that descends southwards, heading directly towards the track used on the ascent. Continue down to reach and cross the Allt an Utha.
7. Climb up the far bank and then take a rising line to the right to regain the track used in the ascent. The track makes for a rapid and straightforward return to the start.
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