Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich

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Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich is the final summit of the great range of mountains on the south side of Glen Shiel. This pathless Corbett gives a short day and an escape from the busier mountains nearby, as well as excellent views.

Terrain

Excellent old hill-path as far as the bealach, but the mountain itself is otherwise pathless. A little boggy and rough in places.

Public Transport

Citylink bus to Shiel Bridge.

Start

Shiel Bridge. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Take the minor road beside the shop in Shiel Bridge; there is a car park on the left before reaching the campsite. Begin the walk by continuing along the lane past the campsite and then turning left up the track along the back of the campsite before reaching the bridge. The track passes through a gate and continues briefly close to the wooded stream. As it approaches the steeper ground ahead it swings left. Follow it away from the stream but look out for the rocky old stalkers path - which is very well trodden - ascending off to the right. A new section of track continues ahead but has been very poorly constructed with no drainage so it is much better to follow the old path. It climbs across the rocky ground that guards the lower entrance to Gleann Undalainn. There are good views over Loch Shiel at times.

Stage 2

The path soon levels off as it heads into the easier terrain of Gleann Undalainn, with a fine view of The Saddle ahead, the Forcan Ridge on its left showing in profile. Continue along the path as it slopes down to cross a bridge over the birch-clad stream before continuing up the increasingly open glen. Looking back, Sgùrr an Airgid on the opposite side of Loch Duich closes the view. Eventually the path begins to climb gently away from the Allt Undalain and climbs closer to the Allt na h-Innse Gairbhe.

Stage 3

A small cairn marks a junction of old paths; keep on the main route which ascends to the right. As height is gained wonderful views open up of the Five Sisters of Kintail, looming high above the long ridge of Biod an Fhithich. The path is part of an ancient route to Glenelg via Moyle and Gleann Mòr ; it levels off and passes several small cairns. From here to Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich there is no path; probably it is easiest to leave the pass before reaching the bealach and cross the bumpy, boggy ground just below Loch Coire nan Crogachan.

Stage 4

Continue across the pathless but not particularly difficult terrain, aiming to the right of the prominent broken crags. A steep climb eventually leads up to the broad and featureless ridge of Sgùrr Mhic Bharraich. To reach the summit from here continue across a shallow dip before heading up the final short ascent to reach the large and prominent summit cairn crowning an area of rocky outcrops. The views from here are superb; Beinn Sgritheall looks particularly magnificent to the southwest, with the Cuillin of Skye beyond.

Stage 5

In the opposite direction, the head of Loch Shiel is in view far below. A more extensive view of the loch is revealed by continuing about a hundred metres beyond the summit to a rocky outcrop; from here Dornie and Eilean Donan Castle are in clear view. Probably the pleasantest route of descent is to reverse the outward route (particularly in winter); however it is possible to make a slightly quicker and more direct return.

Stage 6

For this variation, head back ESE along the ridge. After the slight rise continue to head east steeply downhill all the way back to the path in Gleann Undalainn. The open slope is heathery higher up and bracken-covered nearer the bottom but is steep throughout and rather tedious - though the superb view ahead of the Five Sisters is some consolation. There are cliffs further to the left, dropping down into Coire nam Meirleach, and there are some good views in that direction towards Shiel Bridge. Once back in the glen turn left down the stalkers path to return to the start.

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