Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine and Sgùrr Dubh

Summary

These two Corbetts on the south side of Glen Torridon attract little attention, even though Sgùrr Dubh towers impressively above the road. Whilst they don't quite match up to their magnificent neighbours across the glen, they still offer a superb and very rugged mountain walk. The higher Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine has a sharp peak though often hidden from view, whilst Sgùrr Dubh must rank amongst the rockiest mountains in Scotland. Both are stunning viewpoints.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Very rough going; there is a stalkers' path initially but most of the route is pathless with heather, bog, rock and scree. The terrain is complex and navigation would be very difficult in poor visibility.

Deer Stalking information

Coulin Estate. Stalking between mid Aug and 20 Oct. No stalking on Sundays. If further information is needed, please phone 01445 760383 or e-mail [email protected].

Getting there

Start

Coire Dubh car park, Glen Torridon.

Public Transport

None.

Start Grid Ref

NG958569

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.25km / 8.75 miles
Time: 7.5 - 9 hours
Ascent: 985m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine
Corbett: Sgùrr Dubh

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Walk Description

User reports (13)

Stage 1

Park at Coire Dubh car park - best known as the starting point for the path to Coire Mhic Fhearchair on Beinn Eighe. Begin by heading east along the tarmac, crossing the road bridge over the burn coming down from Coire Dubh. On the far side step over the barrier on the right and take a path that leads to a footbridge and then along the west side of Lochan an Iasgair. There are outstanding views to Liathach - looking slightly foreshortened - across the water.

Stage 2

The stalkers path is now followed, the Cadha Friannach, for around 3km. Follow it up as far as a moorland plateau at around 370m, then leave it and aim east up rough, rocky and in places wet terrain.

Stage 3

Cross very undulating ground covered in heather and dotted with boulders. The aim is to gain the NW shoulder of Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine; cross the burn above where it flows through a gorge, and then seek out a grassy route up onto the shoulder. Stunning views are beginning to open up all around. The terrain now eases to a more gradual ascent until the foot of the final, rock and scree-girt cone of Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine is reached.

Stage 4

The ascent of the rocky cone is steep and requires care but has no especial difficulties. The are great views along the ridge towards Sgùrr Dubh, as well as south over Lochan Uaine to Beinn Liath Mhor and Maol Chean-dearg. The summit area is suprisingly grassy and spacious, with a low wind-shelter cairn.

Stage 5

To descend, keep very slightly west of north to find a rake that keeps left of a quartzite crag. Aim for the tiny lochans - the first group of many that decorate the complex and rugged ridge that links Sgòrr nan Lochan Uaine and Sgùrr Dubh. The terrain is a mix of rock, scree, grass, heather and loch and would be very difficult to navigate in poor visibility; in good weather, the traverse is strenuous but utterly absorbing.

Stage 6

After the lochans, find a route onwards to the bealach which is as low as 560m; avoiding numerous slabs and rocky knolls along the way. Beyond the bealach the going becomes even more rugged for the ascent of Sgùrr Dubh, with many more lochans. A very prominent rocky knoll can be bypassed on the right side, taking care to find a grassy way down through rocky slabs on the far side. As a larger lochan comes into view, the best route through the cliffs beyond is to head up the right hand side of a gully of stones (pictured); there is a faint path up here. This leads up to another smaller lochan.

Stage 7

From here climb north along the ridge, and then cross the final section of sharp quartzite boulders to head over to the extremely rocky summit, almost bare of vegetation. There are grandstand views of Liathach and Beinn Eighe, greatly enhanced by the steepness of the drop into Glen Torridon; Loch Clair is also well seen. The summit area is well defended by crags and it is best to retrace your steps back along the ridge and down beside the stony gully to get back down to the large lochan.

Stage 8

Pass the south side of the lochan and continue heading generally west, passing many more lochans. Sgùrr Dubh's slopes are well defended by rock terraces with cliffs that are not seen when approaching from above; the best guide is to find the top of the gorge carved by the Allt nan Corrag and descend atop the shoulder on its north side. The gorge becomes very impressive and there are great views down into it at times as you descend.

Stage 9

Keep on the slopes high above the gorge as it turns southwest - this enables the best descent of a rock terrace. Finally the boggy moorland below is reached. Aim across this, generally west, soon passing into the area of drumlins that give frustrating going. Eventually pick up the stalkers' path used on the ascent and turn right to head back down to the Ling Hut and the road beyond.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig Hotels

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig B&B

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig cottages

Kinlochewe, Shieldaig hostels

Glamping and Camping

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