Sgùrr a' Mhaoraich, Loch Cuaich

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Summary

This solitary Munro in the remote area around Loch Cuaich has a good stalkers path for the ascent and is a very fine viewpoint.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Straightforward mountain ascent on a stalker's path; the descent via Am Bathaich is steep and rocky but the return can be made by the route of ascent if preferred.

Public Transport

No public transport to walk start.

Start

Parking west of the bridge over the River Quoich. 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: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1077m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH014040

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgùrr a Mhaoraich

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (31)

Stage 1

Park just after the concrete bridge over the northern arm of Loch Cuaich, or alternatively a little further along the road. The walk begins by continuing round the road until the start of a stalkers path at 010035. This superb path climbs across the moor, passing under the ugly electricity pylons en route to the wide ridge of Bac nan Canaichean. There are good views back over the waters of Loch Cuaich, though these are somewhat spoiled by the ugly tidemark which encircles the reservoir unless it is completely full. Loch Cuaich (then known as Quoich) was created in 1962 as one of the largest of the hydro-electric schemes which brought electricity to the Highlands for the first time.

Stage 2

The ridge curves round to the left and traverses the two summits of Sgùrr Coire nan Eirichean. There are steep drops down the northern side to Coire a'Chaorainn, and beyond these two summits the ridge is crossed by a drystone dyke and becomes much narrower and better defined. The final climb up to Sgùrr a' Mhaoraich is steep but there are no rocks that cannot be avoided. The summit, at 1027 metres, is a Munro and commands fabulous views. The full extent of Loch Quoich can be seen to the south, whilst the South Glen Shiel Ridge can be seen to the north and northeast. The best part of the view, however, is that to the west over the Knoydart mountains and the sea.

Stage 3

The easiest route of return is to retrace your steps down the stalkers path. In good weather, however, it is worth continuing the route around Coire a Chaorainn. Follow the flattish summit ridge to the NNW for about 350 metres before descending the steep NNE slopes down to the Bealach Coire a'Chaorainn. The slopes on the far side rise very steeply and are guarded by crags; the best line up is to keep over to the left side before traversing back right once safely above the steepest section. There are great views of Ladhar Bheinn and Loch Hourn from here.

Stage 4

Continue ENE over the knobbly summits of Am Bathaich. The ridge begins to descend more steeply after the final 817m summit, but you should be able to pick up a stalkers path slightly on the right of the ridge. This zig-zags simply downhill all the way to a hydro track just short of the Allt Coire a'Chaorainn. Turn left along this, then right at a t-junction to soon cross a bridge over the burn. Continue for 700m, passing a building, to another junction; now turn right to continue along the track which leads back to the road by Loch Cuaich.

Photo - Chris Eilbeck

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