Marsco is the finest of the Red Hills and is well seen from Sligachan. Despite not even being high enough for Corbett status, the summit is a fantastic viewpoint - probably the best amongst the Grahams - with swathes of blue sea and jagged mountains all around.
Summary
An initially good path up Glen Sligachan is followed by a boggy one up to the bealach. The climb above is mostly on steep grass slopes with less scree than the other Red Hills; however the final slope up to the ridge is on very steep grass so care is needed, especially in wet weather. The ridge narrows to the summit but there are no difficulties.
Terrain
NG487298
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Lay-by on east side of river at Sligachan
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Buses from Portree, Broadford and Kyleakin - get off at Sligachan Hotel.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start at Sligachan on the opposite side of the river from the hotel, by the old bridge. There is an iron gate and a footpath sign for Loch Coruisk and Elgol. Go through the gate and follow the footpath. Keep on the main path which heads a little away from the river and runs for a short distance above the Allt Daraich Gorge. When the main path swings away from the Allt Daraich stream, keep following it, ignoring a smaller path that continues beside the gorge. The path now continues fairly level up Glen Sligachan. There are superb views in good weather, with Sgurr nan Gillean crowning the Cuillins to the right, the Red Hills on the left, and Marsco with its distinctive shape more directly ahead. The right hand profile of Marsco is the Fiaclan Dearg - a granite crag that offers the only rock-climbing in the Red Hills.
2. The broad path crosses several small side streams before reaching the wider Allt na Measarroch coming down from the bealach between Marsco and the other Red Hills. The main path fords this too, but for Marsco, don't cross but instead turn left and head upstream. The path is eroded and very boggy at first; after about a kilometre the path comes closer to an old iron fence and begins the climb proper as the stream comes more steeply downhill. The glen narrows and the path keeps closer to the water as height is gained. There are views of the craggy nose of Marsco now directly to the south.
3. Follow the stream right up to its source on the Mam a' Phobuill, the bealach between Marsco and Beinn Dearg Mheadhonach. Bonnie Prince Charlie crossed this pass at night as he walked from Portree to Elgol to escape the troops pursuing him. The fence turns south here and the path with it; follow both as they head towards the foot of Coire nan Laoigh, a corrie between two steep ridges sweeping down from the summit ridge. The path crosses the stream by some slabby waterfalls with good views down towards Loch Ainort. On the far side the fence posts continue to mark the route as it climbs more steeply up the ill-defined ridge which forms the eastern arm of Coire nan Laoigh. The ground continues to steepen and there are terrific views of Garbh Bheinn and its higher neighbour, Bla Bheinn.
4. The fence and route (the path is not continuous) eventually bear slightly left off the ridge line, which leads to scree. The final climb close by the iron posts up to the ridge is on extremely steep grass, and care is needed to avoid a slip if the ground is wet. The reward is immediate on reaching to the ridgeline at its lowest point, with a sudden and sensational view revealed of the Cuillin Ridge and southwards to Loch Scavaig. The ridge to the left leads to a dramatic grassy peak which is worth the short detour; otherwise continue the ascent by turning right and heading up the initially broad and grassy ridge.
5. The ridge levels off and narrows quite dramatically to a grass arete with very steep slopes on either side, though the going on the crest has no difficulties. The stone cairn is just beyond what seems to be the true summit. The view is perhaps the finest amongst The Grahams, as Scotland's peaks between 2000 and 2500 feet are known, with the Cuillin shown off to great effect and Sgurr nan Gillean in particular being a majestic conclusion to its Pinnacle Ridge.
6. Do not continue along the tempting ridge leading northwest from the summit as it is craggy lower down. Instead, if returning to Sligachan, it is best to go back the same way. An alternative is to go back along the ridge and continue down the southeast ridge to reach the head of Coire nam Bruadaran and descent that to the main road near Loch Ainort, but transport would have to be arranged for the return to the start.
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