Sgurr Mhic Choinnich is one of the most difficult of the Cuillin Munros to reach for non rock-climbers. The final approach along the ridge is an exposed and in places difficult scramble; the rock scenery throughout is superb.
Summary
Rough walking to Coire Lagan, then a very steep ascent up scree to reach the ridge. The route beyond is a very exposed and in places difficult scramble, sometimes on basalt which is slippery when wet.
Terrain
NG408206
Grid ref
11km/6.75 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
No public transport. Nearest bus stop is in Carbost 6 kilometres from start of walk.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park just before the campsite at the end of the Glen Brittle road. The walk starts up the prominent path just left of the campsite toilet block. The early part of the route was once an eroded swamp, but following extensive works there is now an excellent pitched-stone constructed footpath.
2. As height is gained, great views open up of the Isle of Rum and, later, Eigg. After passing a large cairn (a path goes off to the left here, which will be used in descent) the ground becomes rougher. The path heads up a gully between two slabs of rock, scrambling slightly.
3. After the gully, the Loch is only short distance beyond. This is one of the most impressive places in Britain, with the small and beautiful blue lochan surrounded by great sweeps of rock. There are huge slabs, vertical precipices and gigantic stone chutes, with the summit of Sgurr Mhic Choinnich visible at the back of the coire. Go round the loch to the left and head to the back of the corrie. The route now involves an ascent of the An Stac screes - a wide slope of unstable scree. It is very much a case of two steps up and one step back.
Photo: Ian Jeffrey
4. The route emerges on the ridge at Bealach Coire Lagan. On the left, the great buttress of An Stac rises up impressively, though those heading for the Inaccessible Pinnacle can bypass it on scree-covered ledges to the left. If the party has an experienced rock-climber then it can be convenient to make the ascent the same day as Sgurr Mhic Choinnich. To reach the latter peak head to the right along the ridge. Head across a flat section before a short descent leads to the lowest point of on the corrie headwall. From here the scrambling along the ridge is not too difficult at first, weaving a route up various blocks and grooves. The views back are sensational.
Photo: Graham Lewis
5. At a slight flattening about two thirds of the way up the exit from Collie's Ledge (or Hart's Ledge) is seen on the right. Immediately above this is the trickiest section - a short but very steep rise in the ridge. This is a hard scramble with yawning exposure, made worse by the knowledge that it will seem even trickier in descent. Once past this the rest of the ridge remains exposed but without any difficult obstacles. The summit is soon reached - an extremely dramatic spot though spoilt slightly by the cairn which has a concreted-in memorial plaque.
Photo: Ian Jeffrey
6. There is a vertical descent on the ridge just beyond the summit so it is necessary instead to return the same way - unless abseiling! The easiest way back is to reverse the whole of the route of ascent, though very experienced and competent scramblers might attempt Collie's Ledge.
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