Sgurr a' Mhaoraich, Loch Quoich
LOCH LOCHY, GLEN GARRY AND KNOYDART
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1. Park just after the concrete bridge over the northern arm of Loch Quoich, or alternatively a little further along the road. The walk begins by continuing round the road until the start of a stalkers path at 010035. This superb path climbs across the moor, passing under the ugly electricity pylons en route to the wide ridge of Bac nan Canaichean. There are good views back over the waters of Loch Quoich, though these are somewhat spoiled by the ugly tidemark which encircles the reservoir unless it is completely full. Loch Quoich was created in 1962 as one of the largest of the hydro-electric schemes which brought electricity to the Highlands for the first time.
Photo ©Chris Eilbeck, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
2. The ridge curves round to the left and traverses the two summits of Sgurr Coire nan Eirichean. There are steep drops down the northern side to Coire a'Chaorainn, and beyond these two summits the ridge is crossed by a drystone dyke and becomes much narrower and better defined. The final climb up to Sgurr a' Mhaoraich is steep but there are no rocks that cannot be avoided. The summit, at 1027 metres, is a Munro and commands fabulous views. The full extent of Loch Quoich can be seen to the south, whilst the South Glen Shiel Ridge can be seen to the north and northeast. The best part of the view, however, is that to the west over the Knoydart mountains and the sea.
3. The easiest route of return is to retrace your steps down the stalkers path. In good weather, however, it is worth continuing the route around Coire a Chaorainn. Follow the flattish summit ridge to the NNW for about 350 metres before descending the steep NNE slopes down to the Bealach Coire a'Chaorainn. The slopes on the far side rise very steeply and are guarded by crags; the best line up is to keep over to the left side before traversing back right once safely above the steepest section. There are great views of Ladhar Bheinn and Loch Huorn from here.
4. Continue ENE over the knobbly summits of Am Bathaich. The ridge begins to descend more steeply after the final 817 metre summit, but you should be able to pick up a stalkers path slightly on the right of the ridge. This zig-zags simply downhill all the way to the Allt Coire a'Chaorainn. Cross this stream (easy unless in spate) and turn left, following the south bank. This part of the walk is boggy, but after just over a kilometre the track down from the abandoned farm of Alltbeithe is joined by a bridge. Turn right down this track which leads back to the road by Loch Quoich.
Photo ©Chris Eilbeck, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
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