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. Map and directions.

Deer Stalking information

South of Sgurr na Ciche-Sgurr nan Coireachan-Sgurr Cos na Breachd-Laoigh-Druim a�Chuirn ridge: Glen Dessary Estate. Stalking between mid-Aug and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. Access to Sgurr na Ciche from Sourlies via Druim a�Ghoirtean, or from the watershed at the head of Glen Dessary (NM912949), contouring below Garbh Chioch Mhor to reach the bealach southeast of Sgurr na Ciche, is always OK. The ridge traverse between Sgurr na Ciche and Sgurr nan Coireachan, and access to the latter by its south ridge, are also always OK. Access information is available at http://www.glendessary.info/. Signs are posted on the gate by the parking area at the west end of Loch Arkaig indicating where stalking is taking place and suggested routes to popular destinations. If further information is needed, please e-mail info@dalvey.com (please allow two days for reply), or phone 01349 884111 during office hours, up to a week in advance.

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Walk Statistics

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

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgurr Cos na Breachd-Laoidh

Maps / 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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