Sgurr a' Mhaoraich, Sgurr Thionail and Am Bathaich

[bootsandpaddles]

SGURR A’ MHAORAICH, SGURR THIONAIL AND AM BATHAICH

Following the downpours I had endured on Ladhar Bheinnthe previous day I was very pleased to wake up to a beautiful morning overlooking Loch Quoich.

I parked about 1km west of the bridge where a clear path goes up from the road. There were lots of these wonderful stripy caterpillars (fox moth?) on the grass and heather at the side of the path.

As the path zigzags up the ridge the views open out all round: Gairich and Sgurr an Fhuarain to the south, the hills of Knoydart to the west and Gleouraich to the east.

The ridge swings left and reaches Sgurr Coire nan Eiricheallach before dropping down to a bealach. From here I could see a huge herd of deer down in the corrie to the north.

They didn’t seem particularly bothered by my presence. The ridge up to the summit of Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich has piles of huge boulders jumbled about all over it and some dry stone walls.

From the summit the views west were amazing and it was obvious that I had to go on to Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich Beag to make the most of the photo opportunities. There were spectacular views down Loch Hourn and it was nice to get a good view of Ladhar Bheinn as I hadn’t really seen it yesterday.

Loch Hourn

I then retraced my steps but cut off on what I think was a deer track that contoured round northwest ridge of Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich towards the bealach it shares with Am Bathaich.

Am Bathaich

More contouring put me on the ridge leading north to Sgurr Thionail.

Sgurr Thionail

This ridge had lots of humps and bumps before it finally climbed up the summit, a great vantage point for looking along the South Glen Shiel Ridge.

After lunch I retraced my route along the ridge and swung off west to climb to the summit of Am Bathaich.

Sgurr a' Mhaoraich from Am Bathaich

From there it was a long descent into Glen Quoich with views of the huge west corrie of Gleouraich

Gleouraich

and the glen leading east.

Another of those interminable zigzag paths finally led to a crossing of the Allt Coire a’ Chaorainn.

Allt Coire a' Chaorainn

I then followed the meandering River Quoich on a reasonable path until it joined the track along the side of the loch. In fact, as you can see from the photo the loch wasn’t there: it had all but dried up.

There were lots of dragonflies around.

Golden ring dragonfly

The track joined the “main road” at the bridge and from there it was a short walk back to the car.

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[LeithySuburbs]

Love the Loch Hourn pic . Cheers for sharing .

[Gavin99]

Nice report with some lovely photos , I've been meaning to visit this area for a while , now I want to go even more !
I think those are indeed fox moths , great wee beasties

[monty]

Excellent report boots. Love the photos. Brings back memories. My 5th Munro Sept 2008.

[bigkeith]

Nice report, thanks, lovely pics . I've been to Sgurr Mhaoraich once before and I was blown away by the views - it was also a really lovely day which helps . Hoping to go back soon and maybe follow something closer to your route but maybe in reverse just for a change from my first visit .