Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach

Summary

These two fine, steep and rocky Munros are in fairly close proximity to the road and some excellent stalkers paths make this an enjoyable and easier climb than most high peaks in the Northwest.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Excellent (and in descent, spectacular) stalkers paths ease the going on these otherwise steep and rocky peaks.

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.

Getting there

Start

Loch Quoich side.

Public Transport

No public transport along Loch Quoich.

Start Grid Ref

NH029029

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 7 hours
Ascent: 1130m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Spidean Mialach
Munro: Gleouraich

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Walk Description

User reports (47)

Stage 1

There is parking opposite the end of the stalkers path (marked by metal pole) coming down from Gleouriach at NH 029 029. Begin by heading back east along the road for 400m until a small cairn marks the start of another stalkers' path, this time for Spidean Mialach. The boggy path looks unpromising at first as it climbs through a tunnel of rhododendron but it soon reaches open countryside and climbs gently up the hillside to the right and passing beneath electricity pylons.

Stage 2

The route continues to gain height into the somewhat soggy Coire Mheil; keep to the path and cross the Allt Coire Mheil. The path now slopes uphill to reach the Allt Coire Dubh and heads up alongside this stream until it forks. Cross here and follow the now very faint path aiming for the slopes of Spidean Mialach, just north of the bealach above Loch Fearna which comes into view. Aim directly for the ridge aiming to reach it just before Spidean Mialach, the climb is steep but most of the stony areas higher up can be avoided. Once on the ridge bear right to reach the summit.

Stage 3

The large summit cairn is perched right on the edge of the dramatic northern cliffs. At 996 metres it is the smaller of the day's two Munros. Leave the summit by heading southwest at first along the ridge, there is a small path.

Stage 4

The route now becomes much more dramatic, as the ridge has a series of steep rocky corries on its northern side, looking across to the South Glen Shiel ridge. Keep close to this cliff edge as the ridge heads gently northwest at first bending left and then right on a steeper descent down to the Fiar Bhealaich at 735m.

Stage 5

From the bealach, a stalkers path winds its way up the steep slopes opposite; the climb eases twice before reaching the Top of Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich. From here the ridge descents gently before a final rocky climb to the large cairn on Gleouraich, at 1035m the second Munro of the day.

Stage 6

After enjoying the extensive views of Kintail and into Knoydart, continue along the ridge, which soon turns sharply to the left (southwest) and descends onto a fine stalkers path once more.

Stage 7

The path descends to a flattish shoulder with a great view across Loch Quoich to Sgùrr na Cìche, before descending just below the top of the Druim Seilleach ridge on the west side.

Stage 8

This section of stalkers path is absolutely fantastic, with a tremendous feeling of space given by the very steep drop to the northern arm of Loch Quoich far below. Further down the path runs back onto the ridge and descends the Sròn a Chuillin in a series of zigzags. It then heads downhill southeast towards the Allt Coire Peitireach and returns to the road after a short, boggy section through dense rhododendrons, to emerge opposite the parking area.

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