South Glen Shiel Ridge: 7 Munros

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Summary

This marvellous but long and arduous ridge walk is a Munro-baggers delight. Nowhere else in the Highlands can so many peaks be climbed in a day, with minimal descent between the summits, and the views are excellent all the way. However, this is a long day with steep ground on either side of the ridge - route finding skills and a fast pace are required. If in any doubt about fitness, the route can be split into two days by using the Druim na Coire nan Eirecheanach ridge to descend from the ridge at the end of the first day, and use the Druim Thollaidh ridge to regain the ridge to begin the second day.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Superb ridgewalking on a well defined grassy crest for much of the route. There are short sections of simple scrambling.

Public Transport

Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 ask to stop at Cluanie Inn.

Start

Layby along start of lane just east of Cluanie Inn. 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: 26.75km / 16.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 9 - 11 hours
Ascent: 1818m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH079117

Summits Climbed

Munro: Creag a' Mhaim
Munro: Druim Shionnach
Munro: Aonach Air Chrith
Munro: Maol Chinn-dearg
Munro: Sgùrr an Doire Leathain
Munro: Sgùrr an Lochain
Munro: Creag nan Dàmh

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Walk Description

User reports (87)

Stage 1

The whole ridge on the south side of Glen Shiel is described as a single walk. Although a long day, this is the way most walkers tackle it. Note that this walk finishes around nine kilometres down the A87 from the start point, so you will probably want to arrange transport back up the glen, leave a bike, or try to time things for the bus service. Just east of the Cluanie Inn is the start of the old road from Cluanie to Tomdoun; it is possible to park fifty metres along this road. The walk begins by continuing along this private road soon crossing a bridge. At a fork keep right; the lower route goes to Cluanie Lodge. As the route climbs there are great views back over Loch Cluanie and the old road crosses a lovely stone bridge.

Stage 2

Continue onwards all the way until a bealach.Even though it might feels wrong to lose height, this route is much easier going than crossing the rough pathless ground on the more direct line, so continue for another kilometre after the bealach. Just before another small bridge look out for a cairn on the right marking a stalkers path. The path climbs up zig-zags to the ridge, keep straight on where a smaller path, marked with a tiny cairn, forks left. There are great views back over Loch Loyne.

Stage 3

The summit of Creag a' Mhaim is the first Munro of the day at 947 metres. The most strenuous climb of the walk is now already behind, as the marvellous South Glen Shiel Ridge stretches ahead.

Stage 4

There is only a very short descent to the first col, after which the ridge begins to narrow on the gradual climb up to the second peak. The final section of ridge before the summit of Druim Shionnach is very narrow and rocky and can be avoided by using a bypass path just off to the left; you have now reached your second Munro at 987m.

Stage 5

The next peak is three kilometres further along the ridge, though the undulations are fairly gentle. There are great slabby crags sweeping down into the corries to the north, but the southern slopes are much gentler. The reward is your third Munro, Aonach air Chrith which at 1021m is the highest summit on the whole ridge. From here, most of the rest of the days ridge can be seen winding ahead. Shortly after the summit there is a narrow and rocky section of ridge (which can be bypassed) and soon a narrow grassy path enables a faster pace once more.

Stage 6

The ridge undulates over a couple of very minor summits before ascending to the fourth Munro, Maol Chinn-Dearg (981metres). From here the path along the ridge bypasses the top of the minor peak of Sgùrr Coire na Feinne before a long slow ascent to munro number five, Sgùrr an Doire Leathain (1010 metres).

Stage 7

The very summit of this mountain is a short distance along the northeast ridge and requires a slight detour NE. It has a fine view of the next peak, Sgùrr an Lochain which is the most distinctive on the whole ridge. Return to the main ridge, which now has good views down to the loch in Coire Lochain, and climbs easily up to Sgùrr an Lochain (1004 m).

Stage 8

Enjoy the view from this sixth and finest Munro of the day before heading along the seemingly endless ridge once more. The next peak Sgùrr Beag is not a Munro and most walkers have worn a path which avoids its summit, passing to the south side, before the ridge drops to its lowest point at 729 metres with a little lochan. The climb up to the final Munro (Creag nan Dàmh) is likely to be a trial for worn-out limbs. Continue along the ridge and after a pronounced dip, take care on the short, straightforward, scramble up the far side.

Stage 9

Stay on the ridge for nearly 2km from the final peak, following the remains of a drystone dyke to the Bealach Duibh Leac where a small cairn marks where to turn north to start the steeper part of the descent. From here follow an old stalkers path, initially faint but marked by some small cairns at first, which winds down the northern slope and is boggy and rocky in places. Further down it becomes clearer and crosses, then leads down the west side of the Allt Coire Mhurlagain. Later on, keep the fence on your left and as the road in the bottom of the glen comes into view, the path forks. The main left branch leads to a ford over the burn, whilst the boggy right hand one veers away from the fence to reach an old footbridge at NG 970134. From here continue down through bracken, in the summer, to a gate leading to the A87. Now all you need to do is get back to your start point several km back up the busy road - there is a layby just to the right.

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