Sgùrr na Cìche: 3 Munros from Loch Arkaig

Summary

This epic mountain walk takes in three remote and exceptionally rugged Munros. The arduous effort required is rewarded with magnificent rocky mountainscapes throughout. Sgùrr na Cìche itself is one of the most shapely summits in Scotland and is a classic viewpoint.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Extremely boggy terrain lower down and very complex rocky terrain on the higher ridges makes this a long and exhausting outing. Not a route to be underestimated.

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 Dec. 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. 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 [email protected] (allowing two days for reply), or phone 01349 884111 during office hours, up to a week in advance.

Getting there

Start

Car park at end of public road up Loch Arkaig.

Public Transport

No public transport along Loch Arkaig road.

Start Grid Ref

NM988916

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 26km / 16.25 miles
Time: 10 - 12 hours
Ascent: 1523m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgùrr nan Coireachan
Munro: Garbh Chioch Mhor
Munro: Sgùrr na Cìche

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Walk Description

User reports (40)

Stage 1

The seemingless endless drive along the roller-coaster minor road along Loch Arkaig ends where the public road terminates close to the head of the loch. There is a new car park here. Follow the track that is the continuation of the road, forking right at the junction, signed for Tomdoun and Morar. At the next junction ignore the turning where the Tomdoun route heads off up to the right and keep on the main route, which runs close to the River Dessary and then leads past Glendessary Farm and the gateway to the modern Glendessary Lodge, before continuing to Upper Glendessary.

Stage 2

Turn right onto a footpath just before Upper Glendessary, signed for Inverie. After just a few metres the path turns left, and runs across the hillside towards the top corner of the forestry. This historic route then traverses the hills just above the trees. The way crosses some small burns and can be boggy in places. Continue on the path to reach the larger Allt Coire nan Uth. The path crosses this some way above the forest (in spate conditions, there's a bridge at the top of the forestry). Once across, bear off to the right, where a small cairn indicates the start of a path which climbs up the steep slopes which become the south ridge of Sgùrr nan Coireachan.

Stage 3

The climb is mostly on very steep grass interspersed with rocks; it seems to get ever steeper as height is gained. Eventually it eases at a shoulder at around 800m, then rises again to a minor top before the final ridge which gives a pleasant traverse to the summit of Sgùrr nan Coireachan at 953m - the first Munro of the day, with a great outlook along Loch Quoich.

Stage 4

There's an even more wonderful panorama of the more rugged mountains along the ridge ahead. From here, the descent is very steep in places; it heads down to the west and then southwest to reach the Bealach Coire nan Gall. There are a few old fenceposts on the way down. From the bealach, the first steep section of the climb beyond is tackled to the left of a drystone dyke.

Stage 5

Continue on the path, often accompanied by the wall (though this relents at some rockier section). The route climbs steeply and then begins a traverse of Garbh Chioch Bheag to reach the larger Garbh Chioch Mhor. The going is exceptionally rough with many steep ascents and descents and twists and turns to avoid rocky obstacles. It will probably take longer than expected to reach the cairn on this second Munro. The views along the ridge, particularly down into the corrie on the north, are as wild and rugged as anywhere in Scotland.

Stage 6

Continue following the wall down steeply down to the bealach below the impressive final cone of Sgùrr na Cìche. The bealach is known as 'Feadan na Cìche' - the whistle of the breast (after its parent peak), and the wind can certainly tear through here. The ascent ahead looks formidable with much rock but there is a path which winds its way to the left at first before cutting back in zigzags towards the summit.

Stage 7

Sgùrr na Cìche's cone is the third and highest of the day's Munros and one of the shapeliest summits in Britain, though the summit area is larger and grassier than expected. It is one of those mountains that is easily identified in distant views; now you've managed to climb, it gives a magnificent view down the length of Loch Nevis. Return to the last bealach before descending to the southwest.

Stage 8

The way soon leads down into a gorge-like ravine; this part of the descent is steep and requires minor scrambling - and great care. Further down the gully opens out once more; continue down to below the steepest ground before bearing left (southeast) across a shoulder of Garbh Chioch Mhor. The path - faint in places - then descends more steeply again, eventually meeting a rough ATV track. Turn left down this, eventually it meets the path path from Sourlies at the head of Loch Nevis to Glendessary. Turn left along this path to continue down the glen.

Stage 9

Before reaching the forestry there's a choice of routes; the old stalking path keeps left just above the trees to eventually rejoin the outward route. Alternatively you can aim towards the stile that leads into trees in the glen floor. Once in the forest a rough track reaches and then follows the River Dessary, later crossing it at an old bridge. On the far side the track gives much better going, eventually emerging into a more open section. Continue on the track into the next block of forestry. A' Chùil Bothy is just off to the north of the track where it enters the trees; if visiting, follow the bothy code. Continue through the forest for another four kilometres to a junction with another track; turn left here to cross the river at Strathan and return to the start. If you have to drive back out along Loch Arkaig, take great care as you are certain to be exhausted.

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