Sgurr Cos na Breachd-laoidh, Loch Arkaig

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This excellent walk around a rocky ridge horseshoe is straightforward by the standards of the Rough Bounds of Knoydart - but gives characteristically excellent views of this mountainous corner.

Terrain

Track for approach; on the hill, mostly pathless terrain with rough, rocky ridge

Public Transport

None.

Start

Car park at end of public road up Loch Arkaig. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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 Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Users' reports

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13km / 8.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 861m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM987915

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgurr Cos na Breachd-Laoidh

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park at the end of the roller-coaster minor road up Loch Arkaig. Start by heag through the gate at the end of the road. Soon the track forks; take the right branch, which is signed for Morar and Tomdoun - both challenging cross-country routes. Keep straight on along the track when the Tomdoun route goes off to the right shortly afterwards.

Stage 2

The track briefly runs close by the river and there are good views up Glen Dessary, with the Corbett of Bidein a'Chabhair, its peaked summit, looking very prominent. Continue on the track until the bridge over the Allt na Feithe, with a small cottage visible ahead and the large, modern Glendessary Lodge beyond.

Stage 3

Turn right immediately over the bridge onto a narrow path which heads up through the bracken. The path soon becomes clearer, passing through a gap in the fence before climbing up towards the pass. At around NM972935 leave the path and strike up the pathless ridge of grass and rocky outcrops towards Druim a' Chuirn.

Stage 4

After a cairn the initially broad ridge continues, accompanied by occasional fenceposts. Eventually the ridge curves left; Sgurr nan Coireachan dominates the view west.

Stage 5

The ridge narrows and descends to a bealach before beginning a climb up towards the main summit of the Corbett.

Stage 6

The cairn - atop an outcrop - is towards the eastern side of a small plateau. Beyond it the ridge continues, soon reaching a steeper section where any crags are easily avoided by grassy rakes to the right.

Stage 7

Eventually the ridge becomes less well-defined. Continue down, aiming for the modern Glendessary Lodge. There is a gate in the fence above this; pick up the access track and follow it down to the main track through the glen. Follow this down the glen to return to the start.

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