Sgòr Gaibhre and Càrn Dearg from Corrour

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Summary

Sgòr Gaibhre and Càrn Dearg are a pair of unspectacular Munros in the heart of the wild area around Loch Ossian. They can be approached from the south, or alternatively from Corrour railway station which isn't accessible by road and has the advantage of a start at almost 400m.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Mix of some pathless hillsides, clearer paths and tracks. Boggy in places.

Public Transport

Train to Corrour station (no road access).

Start

Corrour railway station (train only - no access by road). Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21.75km / 13.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 973m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN356664

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgòr Gaibhre
Munro: Càrn Dearg (Corrour)

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (32)

Stage 1

Catch a train to Corrour Station. The remotest stop on the UK rail network, it isn't accessible by road. The large building here - once a hostel - is now a cafe / restaurant. Begin the walk along the vehicle track across the moor to the east. When the track forks, keep right, with the tiny Loch Ossian Youth Hostel visible at the shore of the loch. The hostel - which is a superb place to stay - can be visited by a short detour to the left at the next cross roads. Otherwise turn right at this crossroads and then left onto a newly repaired path.

Stage 2

This path was once part of the famous 'Road to the Isles' and, in this direction, leads eventually to Rannoch Station. It runs parallel to the track by Loch Ossian but at a higher level, and gradually gains more height, becoming very boggy as it crosses the flat ground east of Meall na Lice. It meets another path at a junction by Peter's Stone - a boulder with a plaque attached in memory of Peter Trowell. From here leave the paths behind and head directly up the open slope to the east up wet moorland to reach Meall na Letire Duibhe.

Stage 3

From here follow the broad, bumpy shoulder around Coire Creagach to reach the handsome cairn that marks the summit of Càrn Dearg. Though it is lower than many of the mountains around, this is still a fine viewpoint. The start of the ridge which leads down to the Mam Ban is not immediately obvious, though the grassy cone of Sgòr Ghaibhre and its twin Top, Sgòr Choinnich, point the way on a clear day. There is a small intervening bump and one steeper section before the boggy bealach is reached.

Stage 4

The path from the Mam Ban up Sgòr Gaibhre is much clearer, and leads directly up to the summit; though the higher of the two Munros Sgòr Gaibhre has a much smaller cairn. The eastern side of the mountain is much steeper and craggier than the west, and the massive bulk of Ben Alder looms is this direction. Also easy to identify is Schiehallion - looking very fine and pointy from here.

Stage 5

Some care is needed in poor visibility on the descent to the Bealach nan Sgòr as there is steep ground on the east side - be sure to head northwest initially. From the bealach almost equally steep slopes lead up to Sgòr Choinnich - a twin to Sgòr Gaibhre but only a Top. You can avoid the ascent to the summit of this by making a rising traverse to the left from the bealach. Either way, cross gentle slopes to cross Meall Nathrach Mòr , and continue down the pathless heather towards the foot of Loch Ossian. Keep to the right of the plantations; there is a gate in the fence across the slope beside a burn.

Stage 6

Cross boggy ground - keeping just right of a felled area - to reach a clear path, and turn left along this, crossing a bridge, to reach the head of Loch Ossian beside Corrour Lodge. Turn left along the track, crossing a bridge, to begin the walk back along the track to Corrour Station (or Loch Ossian SYHA). There are better views looking back to the lodge - a striking modern building which was completed in 2001 and replaced the original lodge which burnt down in 1942.

Stage 7

Keep right at a fork to bypass the older estate buildings. The track leads through forestry - enlivened by rhododendron blooms in spring - with occasional breaks giving good views over Loch Ossian. Eventually the conifers give way to more natural birches and finally open ground before a junction is reached with the Loch Ossian SYHA over to the right. To return to Corrour Station retrace your steps by continuing straight ahead.

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