Sgùrr nan Conbhairean round

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Summary

This enjoyable walk takes in three Munros on the north side of Loch Cluanie. Though less steep and shapely than their Glen Shiel counterparts, these mountains give an excellent outing with grand views into their fine eastern corries.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good stalkers path for the ascent of Càrn Ghluasaid, then mountain ridges. Descent is pathless and rougher, with burn crossing.

Public Transport

Citilink buses from Glasgow and Inverness on A87 (request stop at drivers discretion).

Start

Rough parking area off the A87 at Lundie. 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: 17.5km / 11 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1260m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH144103

Summits Climbed

Munro: Càrn Ghluasaid
Munro: Sgùrr nan Conbhairean
Munro: Sàil Chaorainn

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (47)

Stage 1

There is a large rough parking area off the south side of the A87 at Lundie (there are no buildings). These mountains are very foreshortened from here, only really appearing full height from much further down towards Glen Moriston. Start the walk by crossing the current A87 road and walking up an old section of the main road on the other side. After a short distance, turn left up a worn, stony track, signed for Càrn Ghluasaid. This follows the line of the old military road and heads up - with good views back - and through a gate before climbing to the right of a transmitter mast. Just beyond this it forks; the old military road contours the hillside, but our route follows the now more obvious hill path to the right, climbing the hillside.

Stage 2

This old stalkers path used for the ascent is a real delight, being well-graded and mostly dry underfoot. It climbs up to reach a flatter shoulder at An Cruachan, and later crosses some large rocky slabs across which the route is marked with rocks. Further on the path begins climbing again, tackling the steep slope on the left of Coire nan Clach in a series of sharp zigzags. Above this section the west ridge of Càrn Ghluasaid is joined and is enjoyable to follow. Eventually a flattish, bouldery plateau is reached.

Stage 3

There is a tiny cairn marking the highest point of Càrn Ghluasaid, but another cairn a few metres away has the finest position, situated on the northern edge of the plateau with steep cliffs falling immediately beyond. This rather insignificant summit is a Munro. Continue the walk, keeping the impressive cliffs of the corrie on your right. There is only a short descent before a longer climb leads up to the top of Creag a'Chaorainn; the path veers left to bypass the summit of this minor top.

Stage 4

There is a very slight descent to the very stony Creag Bealach before the ridge turns towards the north and climbs much more steeply towards the quite graceful summit dome of Sgùrr nan Conbhairean.

Stage 5

This massive Munro has a suitably large summit cairn and is one of the giants of the area at 1110 metres. It gives very extensive views, particularly impressive looking east over the corries. Go northwest for a short distance, still keeping the steeper cliffs on your right.

Stage 6

Follow the now well defined ridge northwards, with grand views down to the crags and corries to the right, and the regenerating forest of Gleann na Cìche to the left. Once at the bealach, there is only short rise to the first and seemingly insignificant summit of Sàil Chaorainn; though a minor bump this is the third Munro of the day at 1002 metres, just a metre higher than the remoter north top. Return to the bealach below Sgùrr nan Conbhairean. It isn't necessary to climb all the way back over the summit; at the foot of the summit cone a small cairn marks a path which traverses below the summit to the west.

Stage 7

Descend the southwest ridge, which is initially broad but soon narrows to a fine arête with the Gorm Lochan down to the left and Toll Easach to the right. The ridge rises ahead to Drochaid an Tuill Easaich; it isn't necessary to head right up to this summit as a path cuts across its left flank to gain its south ridge.

Stage 8

Head along this ridge, making an initially excellent descent, with good views of Coire Làir on the left. Much lower down the ridge becomes indistinct around Meall Breac; descend southeast and then east down rough, tussocky and in places steep ground towards the Allt Coire nan Clach. If possible cross this burn above its ravine to pick up traces of a path down the east side.

Stage 9

The path improves as descent continues down to the line of old Military road, reached at a gate. A path ahead continues down to the busy main road ahead, but this can be avoided by instead turning left along the line of the old Military Road, now a faint path follow a line of old fenceposts. This climbs slightly and rejoins the outward route at the fork above the transmitter mast. Continue ahead to return to the start.

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