Beinn Sgulaird

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Beinn Sgulaird is a solitary Munro, rising steeply above upper Loch Creran. The upper slopes are rocky but the summit is best known as a fantastic viewpoint. On a clear day the 360 degree panorama of mountains, lochs, sea and islands is one of the finest in Scotland.

Terrain

Mostly good going lower down on the ridge. The traverse between the three summits is very rocky and rugged, with some boulders and the odd bit of very straightforward scrambling.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Layby just north of Druimavuic. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is limited parking in a layby on the minor road just east of Druimnavuic. The walk begins just a few metres to the west of here, where two tracks leave the road; the right hand one heads to the gardens, so take the larger bulldozed left-hand track through a gate. It soon climbs up through the trees. Pass through a second gate and continue on the track as it soon leaves the trees behind. Already there are good views back over Loch Creran, and across it to the oakwoods of Glasdrum Nature Reserve; ignore a faint track off to the right and keep on the main one which makes a wide zig-zag to the left and then back to the right to climb the hillside. A small cairn marks the point at which to leave the track and take a grassy path heading up the ridge on the left.

Stage 2

The small path climbs steadily up the grassy slopes whilst the views back improve further with each step. As point 488 metres is reached, progress along the ridge is barred by a cliff dropping to the bealach. Follow the path as it heads to the left above this cliff; it leads to a gap where the path zig-zags easily back down to the bealach. The ridge is crossed by a post and wire fence; climb this to continue uphill, slightly to the right of the ridge line at first, making a long and steady climb up straightforward slopes. The sharp summits of Ben Cruachan come into view through over a pass to the right, whilst behind the view now takes in the whole of Loch Creran, with the Isle of Lismore in Loch Linnhe beyond. If the day is clear the mountains of Morvern and of Mull, including Ben More, are well seen.

Stage 3

As the 863 metre summit is reached there is a great view of Loch Etive, now making the foreground to Ben Cruachan. The summit of Beinn Sgulaird is now also in view, looking very fine with Ben Nevis to the left and the peaks around Glen Etive to the right. It doesn't look far from here, but this belies the terrain which is much harder going from this point. The descent to the next bealach, after a brief flattish section, is down over boulders and scree, though a path descends slightly on the right of the ridge line and makes the going easier.

Stage 4

Cross the bealach and then begin the ascent of the next summit, the dome of Meall Garbh. Meall Garbh has much outcropping rock and curving slabs; the path is faint but there are no real difficulties. It has its own summit cairn, giving a superb view of the main peak of Beinn Sgulaird beyond, with great sweeps of rock slabs on its left flank. The descent to the next bealach is again steep and rocky, requiring care.

Stage 5

The final ascent now begins up the south ridge of Beinn Sgulaird. This is better defined and gives an enjoyable climb; near the top the ridge becomes rockier and the path traverses slightly to the left before a little very mild scrambling leads up to the small summit plateau. The Munro summit, at 937 metres high, is marked by a large cairn. On a clear day, the views in all directions are sensational; inland are the great mountain ranges around Ben Nevis and Glencoe, whilst Cruachan above Loch Etive looks magnificent. The steep slopes give great depth to the views downwards, but best of all is the view along Loch Creran out to the sea and the islands.

Stage 6

The ridge continues to the northeast to several lower summits but the slopes above Glen Ure are forbiddingly steep. One possible alternative return is to descend WNW from the summit down a steep, ill-defined ridge and then continue westwards when easier ground is reached, but this route too is unrelentingly steep. The best way back is to return the way you came, enjoying the superb views ahead which are well worth the small extra effort of crossing the two lower summits. Once Point 863 metres is reached once more the descent is very pleasant. From the final bealach below the crag at 488 metres, it is possible to avoid the reascent by heading downhill to the left to gain the track. Turn right down the track to return to the start.

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