Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, near Braemore

Summary

Sgùrr nan Clach Geala is the finest of the Fannichs, with its impressive eastern corrie. In combination with the neighbouring Munros of Meall a' Chrasgaidh and Sgùrr nan Each it gives an excellent ridgewalk.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pathless and steep terrain on ascent and descent from the ridge. Good going on the ridges but boggy ground lower down.

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.

Getting there

Start

Layby on A832, south west of Braemore junction.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NH163761

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18km / 11.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 9 hours
Ascent: 1153m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Meall a' Chrasgaidh
Munro: Sgùrr nan Clach Geala
Munro: Sgùrr nan Each

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Walk Description

User reports (31)

Stage 1

Park at the parking area just past the forestry plantations and gated, signed track off the A832 to the south west of Braemore junction. From the parking area walk back along the road for 20 metres until you reach the track leading to Loch a Bhraoin; it is signed for long distance routes to Kinlochewe and Loch Fannich. Go past the barrier and along the track, with views of the mountains ahead. Soon a gate is reached and new paths head off to the left and right - turn left here, following a path which leads through the forestry and then down to a bridge over the outflow of the loch. Meall a' Chrasgaigh and Sgùrr nan Clach Geala are both in clear view from here. Once across this bridge, follow the stalkers path for about 30m before turning off on a smaller, boggy ATV track.

Stage 2

This leads to a bridge over the Allt Breabaig which isn't marked on the OS maps, and avoids the possibility of having a difficult crossing of the Allt Breabaig. Once across the bridge continue along the very boggy ATV track, which heads S and then SE; you may spot the old stalkers path coming up from the ford. After just over a kilometre from the bridge choose a good place to leave the ATV trod and strike off directly up the steep slopes towards Meall a' Chrasgaidh. There is no path and the ascent is arduous, but there are soon fine views back towards An Teallach and the western Fannichs peaks.

Stage 3

Higher up the slope eases considerably for the final kilometre to the summit of Meall a'Chrasgaidh. The cairn here is at 934m, but the peak is rather overshadowed by the much higher peaks of Sgùrr Mòr to the southeast and Sgùrr nan Clach Geala to the south; it is one of the less distinguished of the Fannichs' Munros.

Stage 4

Head south from the summit to the bealach and then make a rising traverse to the lochan on the bealach between Càrn na Criche and Sgùrr nan Clach Geala. This is known as 'Am Biachdaich - meaning the place of the fattening, due to its fine grasses; the waters of the lochan often reflect the elegant domed peak of Sgùrr Mòr.

Stage 5

From the col, climb the slope beyond. This is fairly broad at first but soon narrows to a fine ridge, one of the most enjoyable section of the day. There are huge sweeping crags to the left as the fine ridge curves round over several undulations before finally reaching the trig point on the summit of Sgùrr nan Clach Geala.

Stage 6

This has a magnificent situation with a great feeling of space all around. The walk continues down the broader south ridge (still with steep crags on the left), which leads downhill for a long way to reach the pass at Cadha na Guite.

Stage 7

To reach the third Munro of the day, continue up the ridge beyond. It curves gracefully first to the right and then to the left, giving a fine traverse to the summit of Sgùrr nan Each. The highest cairn is at the far end of the little ridge at 922 metres.

Stage 8

Return to Cadha na Guite, and then descend the steep western slopes. There is no path at first, but eventually a rough one can be picked up that descends diagonally across the slopes to the right - crossing a patch of scree and becoming very boggy lower down. Aim to reach the col at the head of the Allt Breabaig valley, which requires careful navigation in mist, avoiding a descent too far into Fliuch Choire.

Stage 9

The col here is very boggy as is the first part of the descent to the north; try to pick up the top of the stalkers path - just the far side of the valley floor - as soon as you can, as it gives a better chance of dry feet. Continue down this improving path, which soon crosses back to the east bank of the stream. After crossing several smaller burns (the Allt Daimh Mor could be a problem in high spate) it comes close to outward route. You can either continue down the stalkers path all the way to the ford of the Allt Breabaig and then continue down past some beautiful pools, or if the burn is high head for bridge used by the ATV track earlier in the day. Either way, return to the bridge at the outflow of Loch a'Bhraoin and reverse the outward route to return to the start.

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