Sgurr Mhurlagain and Fraoch Bheinn, Loch Arkaig

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This fine pair of Corbetts lies above the end of the tortuous road up Loch Arkaig. Sgurr Mhurlagain is approached along a grassy ridge to a dramatic summit; Fraoch Bheinn gives steeper going. Both mountains offer superb views over both the loch and the surrounding hills.

Terrain

Some boggy ground at mid height, pathless above. Sgurr Mhurlagain is approached along a grassy ridge; Fraoch Bheinn gives steeper going.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park at end of public road up Loch Arkaig. Map and 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.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6.5 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1243m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM987915

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgurr Mhurlagain
Corbett: Fraoch Bheinn

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park at the end of the roller-coaster road along the north side of Loch Arkaig. Begin the walk by heading through the gate along the track which is the continuation of the road. A small ruin on the left is all that remains of a barracks complex dating from the time of the Jacobite rebellion. Keep right at the fork in the track, signed for Morar and Tomdoun. Continue briefly until a signpost (Tomdoun 18m) indicates a grassy track climbing steeply to the right. This is on the west side of the Allt Dearg - not the east side as shown on some OS maps.

Stage 2

The views back improve as the track climbs; keep right at a fork to follow a track close to the burn, it then swings left again before reaching a second fork. Again go right; the going now becomes very boggy as the track levels off, heading east and eventually crossing the Dearg Allt. On the far side follow the boggy trod as it leads up towards the Feith a' Bhrolaich. Pick a good point to leave the track and head up the pathless slopes to the east, gaining the southwest ridge of Sgurr Mhurlagain.

Stage 3

Continue up the very broad, grassy ridge which becomes dry underfoot. As height is gained there are superb views down the length of Loch Arkaig. The terrain becomes a little rockier before a flat shoulder is reached, followed by a final pull up the summit ridge.

Stage 4

At the ridge, the gentle slopes of the ascent are suddenly left behind as a dramatic view down into the northern corrie is revealed. The summit cairn is a short distance to the east, and is a wonderful viewpoint. Return the same way back down to the Feith a' Bhrolaich.

Stage 5

On the way down examine the eastern flank of Fraoch Bheinn to spot the ascent route. After crossing the boggy bealach, head up into the shallow, indistinct Coire na Cloiche Bige. Higher up follow a wide grassy rake with a few boulders that trends left below the craggier summit slopes. This leads up to the south ridge.

Stage 6

Now follow the ridge as it climbs steeply to reach the tiny summit cairn. Although set back further from the cliffs, this is another fine viewpoint.

Stage 7

It is worth wondering around a little or even detouring to the north summit to take in the full views. Head back down the south ridge, continuing down it past the point where you came up.

Stage 8

Eventually a notch in the ridge is reached. From here the easiest going is to keep a little left (east) of the ridge line, before making a steep final descent to the track used during the ascent. Use the gate in the fence to rejoin this and then retrace your steps back to the start.

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