Sgurr na Ciche (Nov)
Trail Magazine - Trail Magazine

Sgurr na Ciche (Nov)
Where the Rough Bounds of Knoydart meet the heights of Lochaber, Sgurr na Ciche stands like a beacon. Peter Macfarlane takes the long walk in.
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Start
NM932958 The descent west is steep and rocky to a grassy col and then climbs over a craggy knoll before the ridge is crested by a drystane dyke (drystone wall) as it climbs to the top of Garbh Chioch Bheag. The ridge has much exposed rock and is rough going but the views make up for it: Knoydart and Loch Quoich, Kintail and beyond; you’re in the centre of the mountain universe.
NM909960 Climb to the summit of Garbh Chioch Mhor where the ever-present dyke has lent some stones to the summit cairn. To continue, descend the still rocky terrain and make the final climb to Sgurr na Ciche.
NM902966 The summit is a bouldery pyramid but while enjoyably airy it doesn’t feel as sharp as it looks from a distance, so you can relax and enjoy the outstanding views out to sea over Loch Nevis and to a horizon made of Munro summits as you contemplate the long walk back out. Descend back to the col between Sgurr na Ciche and Garbh Chioch Mhor.
NM906964 At the col turn right and descend the gully between the two peaks. The gully is filled with large slabs and boulders, and care should be taken all the way down. It is great fun, though, the gully is deep and the views ahead are impressive: it’s a high point of the day. As you leave the gully turn left and cross more level ground where sections of path emerge to take you to the ridge edge ahead. Descend the far side of ridge and pick up a well-worn track.
NM914948The track is more indistinct in places but reach the edge of the forest where the main track is reached, which leads to your Sgurr na Coireachan ascent point and then back to the start.
NM930939 Cross the burn where the path meets it or head upstream to find easier crossing points if the water level is high. Follow the track on the far side and turn right onto the wide ridge of Sgurr na Coireachan; a small cairn currently marks the departure point from the main path. The steady climb to the summit is constant for around 700m, the terrain is ever more rocky and the ridge narrows with height until the cairned summit is reached.
NM988915 Reaching the end of Loch Arkaig is the first task. Driving it is an adventure in itself and could be your only option, but once there a purpose-made car park by the estate gate is the start point. The estate road continues through a gate and already the views are inspiring as mountains rise all around you. Take the right branch as it climbs above Strathan and enters Glen Dessarry. Watch for a sign by the right of the track just before Upper Glendessarry lodge; at the sign cross the fence and follow the track as it contours the slopes of Sgurr Cos na Breachd loaidh. The track is easy to follow but can be very wet in places.