Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach from Loch Cuaich
Above Loch Cuaich (prev Loch Quoich), a most enjoyable hike following stalker's paths and ridges bags the two Munros of Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach.
Route outline
Munros | ||||
Ascent | 1225m (4010ft) | |||
Distance | 14km (9m) | |||
Time | 5:30hr | |||
Start/finish | Loch Cuaich Grid Ref : NH029030 | |||
Terrain |
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Nav |
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Effort |
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Scenery |
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Dammed in the 1950's, Loch Cuaich (or Loch Quoich as on older maps) is a lonely loch on route to Knoydart. Above the dam and the eastern end of the loch, the two Munros of Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach stand connected by a long ridge.
The route onto these peaks follows old stalkers tracks and paths up onto high ground with hill-walkers' paths taking over on the ridges. Navigation is fairly straightforward, though in mist there are some spots where paths become faint just as topography can confuse.
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Route description
1. Getting to Loch Cuaich
By Loch Cuaich
From Invergarry in the Great Glen, head westwards along the A87 for 8km to a junction by the shores of Loch Garry. Take the unclassified narrow road that is signposted towards Kinlochourn. Follow this road for around 18km to the Loch Quoich dam.
Around 5km west of the dam, by some forestry and a recently constructed track for a small hydro scheme, there is a rough parking area surrounded by rhododendrons. There is room for around 8 vehicles.
2. Gleouraich
On the stalker's path heading up Sron a' Chuilinn
Just to the west of the hydro works, and usually marked by a small cairns, a stalker's path heads uphill through thick rhododendrons. Follow this path uphill as it hugs the western side of the Allt Coire Peitireach. After around 500m, the path then turns away from the burn and begins zig-zag up towards Sron a' Chuilinn on Druim Seileach, the south-western shoulder of Gleouraich.
Above Sron a' Chuilinn, the path turns in a more northerly direction and travels to the western side of the crest of Druim Seileach, giving good views down to Glen Quoich and over to Sgurr a' Mhaoraich.
Don't be tempted to take a short-cut directly towards Gleouraich, it's far easier and quicker to stick on the path.
Beyond the top of Druim Seileach , a slight drop is encountered before the final pull up towards Gleouraich's summit. The stalker's path turns in towards Coire Peitreach where there is a small hide built of rocks to shelter out of winds.
On the Druim Seileach looking back to Gairich
On the Druim Seileach looking back to Gairich
3. Spidean Mialach
On Gleouraich with Creag Goire na Fiar Bhealaich and Spidean Mialach ahead
Leaving the summit of Gleouraich behind, follow the path as it makes its way south-east along the crest while keeping mainly to the edge above Garbh Choire Beag. The path travels over boulders and stone, but is fairly easy underfoot.
Some height is lost while dropping to a bealach, thereafter a short climb of just over 50m reaches the top of the minor summit of Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich .
Beyond the summit of Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich, the crest of the ridge aims north-east and, particularly in mist, the path can be easily lost as it travels eastwards away from the ridgeline. The path swings, then zig-zags to descent quite steeply following the crest of Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich's eastern shoulder.
With the gradient easing the wide col of Fiar Bhealach is gained - a fine place for a pause before the final climb on the route.
From Fiar Bhealach, the initial climb up Spidean Mialach is on a path cutting a twisting route up steep grass-covered ground. Terrain begins to become more bouldery, where I've found it easier to turn slightly off to the right and continue up on grassy ground below boulderfields. This also seems to take a more direct ascent to Spidean Mialach's summit, avoiding the slight extra ascent involved of hiking over the minor top marked 977 on the OS 1:50000.
Approaching Spidean Mialach, looking back to Creag Goire na Fiar Bhealaich
Approaching Spidean Mialach, looking back to Creag Goire na Fiar Bhealaich
4. Return
On Spidean Mialach's summit, looking west
Just south of Spidean Mialach's summit cairn, a path can be found heading south-west dropping gently downhill over stoney ground. After losing around 50m of height, the stoney ground is left behind and the path descends down grassy slopes to to grass to heather-clad damp ground north of Loch Fearna.
Beginning the descent from Spidean Mialach
Beginning the descent from Spidean Mialach
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Weather forecasts »
Regional | MWIS - Northwest Highlands |
Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
Seasonal | SAIS - Lochaber Midge forecast |
Alternative and nearby routes »
Sgurr a' Mhaoraich from Loch Cuaich | |
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Gairich and Sgurr Mor from Glen Kingie | |
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Ben Aden from Loch Cuaich | |
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Buidhe Bheinn from Loch Hourn | |
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South Glen Shiel Ridge | |
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