Sgùrr na h-Eachainne & Druim na Sgriodain

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Summary

The fine peak of Sgùrr na h-Eachainne rises dramatically on the north side of the Corran narrows, and is a familiar sight for travellers along the A82 to Fort William. Further along the ridge is the less impressive main summit of Druim na Sgriodain. The ascent of both gives a steep and rugged hillwalk with spectacular views.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Pathless on the hills, steep and rough going. The last part of the descent requires a burn crossing and then an especially steep descent to the mast and requires care, especially in the wet.

Public Transport

Corran Ferry to start; the south side is reached by good bus links.

Start

Parking opposite North Corran church, near Corran Ferry. 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: 11.75km / 7.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5.5 - 6.5 hours
Ascent: 838m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NN010642

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Druim na Sgriodain

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Walk Description

User reports (9)

Stage 1

Sgùrr na h-Eachainne rises as a very impressive peak particularly as seen from the south side of Loch Linnhe. The walk to it starts from the north side of the loch near the Corran ferry. There is parking opposite Corran church if you are staying on the Ardgour side, but if you are approaching from the A82 then you can instead park on the south side of the Corran ferry and then cross on foot. Begin the walk by heading north along the single track road out of North Corran, continuing until a gate on the left gives access to a field and the ancient graveyard of Cille Mhaodain - burial ground of the MacLeans of Ardgour.

Stage 2

Pass to the right of the burial ground and through a gate in the drystone dyke. Bear left to pass through another gate giving access to the open hill. From here a steep ascent begins up an ill-defined ridge; there's a faint path at first but this soon fades out; there are areas of bracken to avoid in summer. It's a tough workout, but spectacular views soon open up looking back over Loch Linnhe, backed by the massive bulk of Ben Nevis.

Stage 3

Continue up onto a steep grassy dome. From here you can either lose a little height before climbing the steep east ridge of Sgùrr na h-Eachainne, or - easier - continue climbing WNW until you gain its gentler north ridge.

Stage 4

Once on the north ridge follow a line of old fenceposts up to reach the summit trig point. This is the finest viewpoint of the day, commanding a spectacular panorama. The view up Loch Linnhe is magnificent, as is that over the Corran narrows, backed by the peaks of Glencoe. Looking down Loch Linnhe are scores of islands leading out into the open sea.

Stage 5

Although much the finest summit of the day, the highest point of the massif is Druim na Sgriodain around 1.5km to the west. Descend the west ridge, crossing an area of peaty ground, and continue over undulating terrain past several lochans - the Lochain Druim na Sgriodain.

Stage 6

Just beyond a final lochan is the tiny cairn marking the summit of Druim na Sgriodain, with extensive views into Ardgour. To complete the horseshoe walk, descend southeast to pick up a ridge line above the cliffs of Càrn a' Choire Dhuibh, overlooking Coire Dubh.

Stage 7

The ridge curves and descends, passing a tiny cairn on the nose of An t-Socach - with an especially fine view over Corran. From here a trace of a path leads down the steep grassy ridge to the east.

Stage 8

Do not attempt a direct descent as the route is barred by crags; instead keep ENE and aim to cross the Allt a'Choire Dhuibh above a group of waterfalls known as MacLean's Towels. Once on the far side of the burn descend ever steepening slopes towards the tall mast seen below. There are outcropping slimy rocks in places and care is needed to avoid these and keep on safely down.

Stage 9

At the foot of the slope cross a broken former section of fence to pass to the right of the enclosed mast, following a boggy path through the trees. Keep left when the path forks, soon reaching the track to the masts. Now turn right along the track. When a track junction is reached turn right - the other routes lead to houses - crossing a burn and then left onto a now surfaced track. This leads to Clovullin village, but if you turn left before reaching the road you can follow a track past Lochan Eoin Mhic Alastair and Lochan na h-Eaglais to reach the road beside the church at the start of the walk.

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