Streap, near Glenfinnan

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Streap is a magnificent mountain, just 5m below Munro height but ranking amongst the finest Corbetts. This route approachs it along a grand, undulating ridge with a dramatic final arête leading up to the summit. The route continues over the subsidiary peak of Streap Comhlaidh before a long, steep grassy descent. The route gives a more strenuous day than a glance at the map might suggest.

Terrain

Track for approach, then rough, often steep and pathless hillwalking.

Public Transport

Bus services run along the A830; Glenfinnan (2.5km) has a train station.

Start

Parking off the A830 just west of bridge over the Dubh Lighe. Open start point in Google Maps for 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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the Craigag car park signed off to the north side of the A830 just west of the bridge over the Dubh Lighe. Begin the walk by returning to the road, heading east towards the bridge and then turning left onto an estate track. Pass through a gate and head along the estate road which follows the west bank of the Dubh Lighe for 3km; the burn has some attractive waterfalls along the way. Eventually a junction is reached. From here one option is to go left and follow the track to the edge of the forest and then continue up over the demoted Corbett Beinn an Tuim which gives fine views over Loch Shiel but adds more effort to the walk. Our route turns right instead, down to a bridge over the river. On the far side the track swings left and climbs up to reach Gleann Dubh-Lighe bothy. This is maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothy Association. Please help by carrying out any rubbish you find here, and always follow the bothy code when visiting.

Stage 2

Continue along the track, which leaves the forestry at a gate after another 1km. From here there is a stunning view up the glen to Streap, showing much of the day's route. From here the track becomes rougher, but keep following it until it crosses a bridge over the burn at NM947837 - not marked on OS maps. Cross the bridge and then aim west up the hillside; the going is over tussocky grass at first but soon steepens - keeping to the right of a burn avoids most of the bracken. Eventually the slope eases into wide, rough ground at the foot of Coire an Tuim.

Stage 3

It is possible to continue up the coire to the Bealach a' Chait, but a more direct route is possible heading up a steep grassy ridge to the northwest. Although relentless the ascent keeps to grass as any rocks are easily avoided; higher up the route swings west to reach the main ridge just short of the summit of Meall an Uilllt Chaoil. If you took the route over Beinn an Tuim earlier you will rejoin our route here. A grand ridge now stretches away northeast, with the next peak of Stob Coire nan Cearc prominent.

Stage 4

Looking west there is a rare view towards remote Loch Beoraid. The rocky and complex ridge leads down to the Bealach Coire nan Cearc - bypassing rocky outcrops on the left side - before beginning a steep ascent of the conical peak of the same name.

Stage 5

From the summit at 887m there is a clear view to the true summit of Streap at last - Streap Comhlaidh looks more prominent from many points on the walk. Descend to the next bealach; from here the ridge narrows to become a fine grassy arête for the final ascent.

Stage 6

The drop on the left side of the ridge is particularly steep and helps make this an exhilarating traverse. From a distance it looks like a rock step bars the ridge, but once reached this proves to be easily negotiated by a steep path. Continue along the still narrow ridge to the summit.

Stage 7

The highest point on Streap is marked by a cairn and is an extensive viewpoint - although there are higher mountains all around, with the exception of Sgùrr Thuilm they are far enough from Streap to avoid any feeling of being overshadowed. There's a particularly good view down to Strathan at the head of Loch Arkaig. To continue the route, descend steeply southeast to reach another stretch of fine grassy ridge.

Stage 8

Continue to a bealach at 818m before the steep ascent to Streap Comhlaidh; there are traces of a path to ease the way up the slope. Another fine ridge leads away northeast from here, but our descent route follows the ridge to the south.

Stage 9

This descends and then climbs slightly to a minor summit at 859m, before beginning a very long and relentless descent down grassy slopes - avoiding any rocky outcrops on the east side. Once down almost to the glen aim to pick up the obvious path - reached with some relief, though it actually gives very boggy going at first. Follow the path and ATV tracks down the glen, fording the Allt Coire Chùirn which is straightforward unless in spate. Eventually the path rejoins the outward route just beyond a ruined shieling. Here cross the bridge and then retrace your steps back down the track to the forest plantation and the start beyond.

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