South Glen Shiel Ridge

A marvellous ridgewalk which is a Munro-baggers delight. Nowhere else in the Highlands can so many peaks be climbed in a day, with minimal descent between the summits. The views are excellent all the way.

Terrain

Superb ridgewalking on a well defined grassy crest for much of the route. There are short sections of very simple scrambling.

Public Transport

There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness.

Users' reports

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Start

Layby along start of lane just east of Cluanie Inn. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 26.75km/16.5 miles
Time: 9 - 11 hours
Ascent: 1818m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH079117

Summits Climbed

Munro: Creag a' Mhaim
Munro: Druim Shionnach
Munro: Aonach Air Chrith
Munro: Maol Chinn-dearg
Munro: Sgurr an Doire Leathain
Munro: Sgurr an Lochain
Munro: Creag nan Damh

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 414 - Glen Shiel
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The whole ridge on the south side of Glen Shiel is described as a single walk. Although a long day, this is the way most walkers tackle it. Note that this walk finishes around nine kilometres down the A87 from the start point, so you will probably want to arrange transport back up the glen, or try to time things for the bus service.

Stage 2

Just east of the Cluanie Inn is the start of the old road from Cluanie to Tomdoun; it is possible to park fifty metres along this road. The walk begins by continuing along this private road, giving great views back over Loch Cluanie. You can either leave the track after crossing the bridge for a shorter but rougher route to Creag a'Mhaim, or continue until about a kilometre after the bealach itself where a stalkers path gives easier going up as it zig-zags up the ridge. The summit of Creag a' Mhaim is the first Munro of the day at 947 metres.

Stage 3

The most strenuous part of the walk is now already behind, as the marvellous South Glen Shiel Ridge stretches ahead. There is only a very short descent to the first col, after which the ridge begins to narrow on the gradual climb up to the second peak. The final section of ridge before the summit of Druim Shionnach is very narrow and can be avoided by the nervous using a bypass path just off to the left; you have now reached your second Munro at 987 metres.

Photo: Benno

Stage 4

The next peak is three kilometres further along the ridge, though the undulations are fairly gentle. There are great slabby crags sweeping down into the corries to the north, but the southern slopes are much gentler. The reward is your third Munro, Aonach air Chrith which at 1021 metres is the highest summit on the whole ridge. From here, most of the rest of the days ridge can be seen winding ahead. Just after the summit is a very narrow and rocky section of ridge, which many walkers shuffle across in part on their bottoms. There are no real difficulties however and soon the narrow grassy path enables a faster pace once more.

Stage 5

The ridge undulates over a couple of very minor summits before ascending to the fourth Munro, Maol Chinn-Dearg (981metres). From here the path along the ridge bypasses the top of the minor peak of Sgurr Coire na Feinne before a long slow ascent to munro number five, Sgurr an Doire Leathain (1010 metres). The very summit of this mountain is a short distance along the northeast ridge and requires a slight detour. It has a fine view of the next peak, Sgurr an Lochain which is the most distinctive on the whole ridge.

Stage 6

Return to the main ridge, which now has good views down to the loch in Coire Lochain, and climbs easily up to Sgurr an Lochain (1004 metres). Enjoy the view from this sixth and finest Munro of the day before heading along the seemingly endless ridge once more. The next peak Sgurr Beag is not a Munro and most walkers have worn a path which avoids its summit, passing to the south side, before the ridge drops to its lowest point at 729 metres with a little lochan. The climb up to the final Munro (Creag nan Damh) is likely to be a trial for worn-out limbs. Continue along the ridge, accompanied by a drystone dyke, to the Bealach Duibh Leac and a small cairn which marks the route of descent northwards. From here follow an old stalkers path, initially faint but marked by some small cairns at first, which winds down the northern slope. Further down it becomes clearer and leads down the west side of the Allt Coire Mhurlagain. Cross a footbridge at NG 970 134 and continue down to the A87. Now all you need to do is get back to your start point several miles back up the busy road.

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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.