Slioch, near Kinlochewe

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The view of the craggy fortress of Slioch across the waters of Loch Maree is one of the classics of Scotland featured in countless calendars. At close quarters Slioch offers a reasonably straightforward ascent given that formidable appearance, and the summit views over Loch Maree and into the Fisherfield wilderness are sensational.

Terrain

A long, tough walk with some steep, rough terrain and boggy ground; pathless section on return.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park signed on left near end of minor road, Incheril. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park at the end of the minor road in Incheril (by Kinlochewe). Start the walk by taking the path at the top of the car park through the trees soon going through a gate to emerge on a wider path - turn left along this. The path continues alongside a fence, soon passing a cemetery. Eventually the path descends slightly and crosses a wooden bridge. Keep on the path, which eventually comes alongside the broad Kinlochewe river which flows in a wide, gravelly bed, passing through some native woodland.

Stage 2

After about a kilometre the path cuts away from the river and then soon reaches the edge of Loch Maree, regarded by many hikers as the most beautiful loch in Scotland. Shortly afterwards the path crosses a bridge over the attractive Abhainn an Fhasaigh. Go through the gap in the gateposts ahead, and continue along the path to a fork; the path ahead here is the old Loch Maree drove route; our route turns right, gradually climbing towards Gleann Biannasdail.

Stage 3

At another fork ignore the path that keeps right above the gorge and instead follow the slight left fork. The next objective is the col to the west of Meall Each; the path for this forks off left but there are several alternative start points - the one shown on our map is the second, which forks left around 400m after crossing the rocky bed and a small burn. The path climbs gradually at first by two small burns, and then more steeply towards the col. The ground can be wet at times, but the view back over the foot of Loch Maree to the Beinn Eighe range is superb.

Stage 4

Once you reach the col the ascent becomes much more gradual, rounding the base of Sgùrr Dubh to enter the grass bowl of Coire na Sleaghaich. Paths fork off right at several points - ignore these to continue up towards the upper corrie. Eventually the path cuts sharply left to climb diagonally up to gain the ridge that forms the west wall of the corrie, reaching the ridge near some attractive lochans.

Stage 5

Beyond the lochans the climb becomes steep and eroded, initially over rocky ground which later becomes grassy once more. There are sensational views looking back over the lochans. The path is braided on the eroded section, but soon becomes clearer, keeping just to the left of the sandstone outcrops around point 933m.

Stage 6

Continue across a slight dip to climb up to the trig point. This is still not quite the highest point of the mountain however; for that, continue for a short distance to reach the cairn on the northern peak, the true summit of Slioch (meaning the Spear). The view from here is surely amongst the finest from the Munros, and an ample reward for all your exertions. Loch Maree takes centre centre, with the Hebrides seen beyond on a fine day.

Stage 7

The Torridon peaks in the west look fantastic, but it is the view northwards over the Fisherfield and Letterewe Forests takes the breath away. To vary the return, start along the east ridge - An t-Aon Cheum. Look out for the wild goats that frequent the mountain - they are descended from domestic goats that were kept hundreds of years ago - you might also see similar goats on Seana Bhràigh, Ardnmeanach on Mull and several other locations.

Stage 8

This soon narrows, and retains those superb views. It leads eventually to the fine peak of Sgùrr an Tuill Bhain. From here the natural line descends southeast for half a kilometre or so down the ridge until a convenient point to strike off southwards and then southwest into the corrie over pathless ground. Cross the burn and then aim to pick up the outward path at the bealach between Sgùrr Dubh and Meall Each.

Stage 9

Now retrace your steps for the rest of the long walk back to Kinlochewe. If you are feeling footsore, remember that in the future, whenever you see that classic view of Slioch from across Loch Maree, you'll know you made it to the top.

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