Streap is a magnificent mountain, perhaps the finest in the area and the highest, pointed summit of a fine sharp ridge which lies to the east of Glenfinnan. At 909 metres it is one of the highest of the Corbetts. It is generally well hidden except from the north - there is a grand view to its northern corrie from Strachan at the head of Loch Arkaig.
Summary
The walk throughout is very rough, rocky and often pathless. There is some moderate exposure on the narrow ridge and the summit is quite airy but there are no real difficulties.
Terrain
NN929798
Grid ref
17.5km/10.75 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.
Parking off the A830 just west of bridge over the Dubh Lighe
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Public transport
1. Immediately beyond a bridge on the A830 at NM932799 there is an estate road on the right. You can park before a locked gate on this road or continue a few metres along the A830 to a small car park and picnic area maintained by the Fassfern estate. Go through a stile next to the locked gate and carry on along the estate road which follows the west bank of the Dubh Lighe for 2 miles before it turns down to a bridge . Take the left fork here and at the track end cross a gate in a deer fence to trackless rough ground. Beinn an Tuim is an extremely rough and rocky hill so unless you are feeling very fit do not attempt its traverse. Instead head a little west of north, angling up across the rugged slopes until easier ground is reached in Coire an Tuim. Turn northwest and climb up to the col at the head of the corrie.
2. Climb northeast up the steep slopes rising from the bealach to reach the broader summit of Meall an Uillt Chaoil, then continue over rough ground to the Bealach Coire nan Cearc. From here there is a second climb up to the finer summit of Stob Coire nan Cearc. Continue along the ridge, crossing yet another bealach.
3. Streap has looked increasingly fine as the ridgewalk has progressed. Continue along the ridge to reach the final much narrower and steeper section with some exposure, leading to the little pointed summit of Streap. Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr nan Coireachan can be seen to the NW and the hills of Knoydart to the N, but the most arresting views are of the corries and ridges of Streap itself.
4. Now head down southeast from the summit, quite steeply at first and then along a pleasant undulating ridge. After crossing the bealach there is a steep pull up to the grassy dome of Streap Comhlaidh, with fine views back of Streap itself. This subsidiary summit has a ridge leading northeast with fine crags on the left side.
5. Go downhill in a southerly direction over a little top then down the broad ridge to the glen below. Keep on across boggy ground, staying to the west of the Dubh Lighe until a bridge is reached (not marked on the OS map) at NM947837. Cross here and carry on down the track, passing the Dubh Lighe bothy which sadly burnt down in summer 2011 ( if it is rebuilt this will be updated) and crossing the river again at another bridge beyond which the outward route is rejoined.
This walk was written by Doug Tulloch
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