Sunshine on Sgurr a' Mhaoraich!!

[dooterbang]

Once again early October provided some fantastic weather for walking/climbing hills. It would be criminal not to take advantage of this so we hatched a plan to do the solitary Munro North of Loch Quoich - Sgurr a'Mhaoraich.

Left Glasgow around 6.30am with the drive up taking 3.5hrs. I'm sure that 15 mile down a single track to reach the parking spot over the bridge at Loch Quoich took up most of the time!

We started walking around 10.30am with just a slight breeze in the air. The South face would protect us most of the day from the wind.

Brilliant stalkers path most of the way. Head North for 2.5k then NW another 2.5k to reach the summit.

Loch Quoich






Ascending the South Ridge.


Stunning views back to Lochaber & Ben Nevis




CMD Arete & Ben Nevis






West ridge to the summit








The final path to the summit was covered in ice so due care was given. You can miss this by taking a path to the left




Summit




This was one of these Munros that only unveiled its wondrous views when reaching the top. With the sun shining and the air clear we could see for miles in every direction. Cullin ridge, Isles of Rum & Eigg with Knoydart & Kintail close by. We sat here for 30 mins, had lunch, and took in the views.


Cullin Ridge




Beinn Sgritheall






Kinlochhourn & Knoydart


Descended route of ascent as realized we could just make it back to Glasgow before darkness fell.


Got back to Glasgow 6.30pm. 7 hours driving, 4 hours walking with 1 hour of breaks...well worth it.

This is a fantastic little walk and one I would recommend on a good day for anyone but especially those new to hillwalking. The rewards are vast for not much effort.

Links to walks I've posted today that are outside Scotland...
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=37371

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=37376

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=37378

[pigeon]

Smashing reports dooter as always,wondered where you'd been You're right about Sgurr a Mhaoraich ,one of my faves

[davetherave]

What a day. Your pictures look real good quality Dooterbang.
Will check them out later on the Pc as with your other reports out of Scotland.
Cant wait.

[weaselmaster]

Fine pics there DB - a great day out that was

[PeteR]

Quite possibly.........in fact almost certainly one of the best summits I have ever stood on

And you had a superb day for it too Some stunning photos of a magical area

Totally agree that this is a great hill for non-hill walkers to discover what we already know

[BlackPanther]

Great stuff - and that sums it up. We did this one last Easter in snow - what a bliss. The path was not visible higher on the ridge, we had to use crampons on the final ascent and practised some scrambling on icy rocks. But the views from the top are amazing. A mountain to savour, I think

We were just north to you on that day, on S Glen Shiel ridge. Shame the good weather is gone now, forecast for next weekend looks c**p
Cheers
BP

[SusieThePensioner]

What a great walk and such stunning photos with those amazing views, Paul

7 hours driving

We were driving home that day from Sutherland and took us just over 10 hrs including stops At least we had great views all day

[dooterbang]

What a day. Your pictures look real good quality Dooterbang.
Will check them out later on the Pc as with your other reports out of Scotland.
Cant wait.

Cheers Dave. Hope you get the weather for your trip to Arran

What a great walk and such stunning photos with those amazing views, Paul

7 hours driving

We were driving home that day from Sutherland and took us just over 10 hrs including stops At least we had great views all day

Phew!! That's a big drive

We were just north to you on that day, on S Glen Shiel ridge. Shame the good weather is gone now, forecast for next weekend looks c**p
Cheers
BP

I waved???

[dogplodder]

I love this hill and your photos are as always stunning. You clearly check the forecast before heading out!

[Collaciotach]

Cracking day , cracking pics and a cracking area

[scottishkennyg]

nice one db..enjoyed the views you captured...

[andrewdoggett]

Thought you'd combine this with Gairich...

Stunning views, especially to Knoydart... How I miss being able to easily venture out at the weekend... I'll just have to look on wistfully...

[dooterbang]

Thought you'd combine this with Gairich...

Stunning views, especially to Knoydart... How I miss being able to easily venture out at the weekend... I'll just have to look on wistfully...

I would've Andrew but I've still to do Sgurr Mor
Was telling/showing Kerri where you and Monty finished your round. I'm defo going to do the same as spectacular.
Get yourself out and bag a few corbetts