Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a'Chaorachain

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The traverse of these two Munros gives an excellent hillwalk; an enjoyable ridge links the two summits at a high level though the approach is fairly long.

Terrain

Good tracks (use of a mountain bike) lead to the foot of the mountains. From here a stalkers path leads to the bealach. The traverse of the mountains is rocky and the descent pathless and steep. Crossing the Allt a'Chonais can be a problem in spate.

Public Transport

Inverness - Lochcarron bus passes along the A890.

Start

Achnashellach Forest car park, Craig. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Deer Stalking information

Achnashellach Estate. Stalking between late Sept and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. The main path from Craig to the Bealach Bhearnais (via the Allt a'Chonais), and the ridges, are always OK. If further information is needed, please phone 01520 722703 after 7pm.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 20.5km / 12.75 miles
Time: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1251m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH039493

Summits Climbed

Munro: Sgurr Choinnich
Munro: Sgurr a' Chaorachain

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at Achnashellach Forest car park, which is signed on the north side of the road at Craig. Walk back down cross the road and take the track opposite over the railway level crossing. The track bends left and heads up the glen. There are great views ahead of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean. After about a kilometre the track bends right and crosses a bridge over the River Carron. Once across the river the track soon forks; take the left fork, which begins a long climb above the (unseen) Sloc Mor gorge.

Stage 2

As height is gained, a terrific view opens up behind of the Coulin peaks. First to appear is Fuar Tholl on the left, later joined by Sgurr Ruadh and Beinn Liath Mhor. After just over a kilometre another forestry track goes off to the right - ignore this and keep to the main track, with views ahead of the Allt a Chonais gorge. Further on another track goes off right, this time signed for the 'Allt a'Chonais pinewood'; again continue ahead, and ignore the forestry track on the left. The track passes through a gate in a deer fence before reaching the top of a pass just to the left of a knoll. Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a'Chaorachain can now be seen ahead at the far end of the flat, treeless valley. Continue on the track, now slightly downhill, ignore a track leading to a small hydro dam. The track soon runs close to the river passing a wire bridge.

Stage 3

Ignore a faint path on the right destined for Sgurr na Feartaig, instead continuing until the track bends left and climbs. The track soon runs close to the river passing a wire bridge. Ignore a faint path on the right destined for Sgurr na Feartaig, instead continuing until the track bends left and climbs. You can see the path the route is aiming for, smaking up the hill ahead slightly to the right in the distance. A small cairn marks where a stalkers path turns off here on the right, take this turning, which in a short distance leads down to the Allt a'Chonais. There is the remains of a wire bridge but the burn is usually easily crossed in normal water conditions but could be dangerous or even impossible to cross in spate.

Stage 4

The first part of the stalkers path uphill has been widened to a track creating a scar on this part of the landscape. However it soon narrows back to a path which ascends the west side of the glen of the Allt Leathad an Tobair, with good views of Sgurr Choinnich. It keeps high above the stream, to reach the wide Bealach Bhearnais.

Stage 5

Bear left as the path continues to climb up to the second, higher bealach where there is a short section of old wall. Turn left to begin the ascent of the Streangan nan Aon Pacan-deug ridge. This is broad at first but narrows and becomes more defined as height is gained. It is mostly grassy but has three rocky bands to negotiate, all are easy with rock steps.

Stage 6

The ridge leads directly up to the narrow summit ridge, with the small summit cairn right on the edge of the crags. The summit ridge is straight and level apart from a brief dip and has a good view over the void of Pollan Buidhe. The summit cairn is a tantalising 999 metres high.

Stage 7

From here, continue to the far end of the summit ridge and then descend the rocky ridge to the Bealach Coire Choinnich. The path is eroded in places and there are views down to Loch Morar on the right. The ascent on the far side of the bealach is straightforward, rocky in a couple of places, leads to the large shelter cairn on the summit of Sgurr a'Chaorachain. This is the higher of the two Munros at 1053 metres and on a clear day there are good views to the main Torridon summits to the north.

Stage 8

Unless returning the same way or continuing to Maoile Lunndaidh, head north from the summit, down a grassy ridge for about 700 metres before bearing left (northwest) down the relentlessly steep slope that is boggy in places � the reward being the views of Sgurr Choinnich to the left.

Stage 9

There's a great aerial view of the long walk back too. As the gradient eases aim directly north to eventually cross the Allt a'Chonais to regain the track before heading back down the glen.

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