Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from Stob Coire Sgreamhach

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from Glencoe

Hillwalking route up Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from Glencoe

Heading to Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from Glencoe follows a good track, but take the wrong way and you could end up heading up some difficult ground.



Route outline


Munros

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh

Ascent 1150m (3770ft)
Distance 12km (8m)
Time 5:00hr
Start/finish Western end of Glencoe
Grid Ref : NN118565
Terrain
easy hard
Nav
easy hard
Effort
easy hard
Scenery
ok fab


From the western end of Glencoe, Sgurr na h-Ulaidh looks fairly forboding, conical in shape with its northern aspects protected by crags. There is however a fairly easy route up this, though in mist you'll need to able to navigate with confidence. This route also takes in the minor Munro Top of Stob an Fhuarain.



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Route description


1. Getting to start in Glencoe

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from forestry by the Allt na Muidhe

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from forestry by the Allt na Muidhe

The route begins from the western end of Glencoe close to the access to Achnacon Farm and by a sharp corner of the A82. There is restricted space for a few cars to park in a layby on the north side of the road.

If full, an alternative is to park in the An Tor car-park, just under 1km to the east or by the Clachaig Inn.


2. Sgurr na h-Ulaidh

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from the belach below Meall Lighiche, route up is on the right

Sgurr na h-Ulaidh from the belach below Meall Lighiche, route up is on the right

From the lay-by on the bend, follow the road heading northwest and cross the bridge over the Allt na Muidhe. Shortly after crossing, take the track on your left, signposted for Glencoe Mountain Cottages.

After approximately 1.5km, a sign directs walkers off the track and onto a path that skirts around the holiday cottages. This path soon rejoins the main track beyond the cottages.

Continue for another 1.5km, passing some farm buildings, until the track ends near the edge of a forestry plantation . From here, a path continues along the east bank of the Allt na Muidhe.

Follow this path for about 2km, then cross the burn and ascend toward Bealach Easan - the col between Meall Lighiche and Sgurr na h-Ulaidh. Here, you should meet a line of old fence posts crossing the col.

From the bealach, the crags of Sgurr na h-Ulaidh dominate the view ahead. The line of fence posts leads to the base of Corr na Beinne. While there are routes directly up the crags from here, these are suitable only for confident scramblers. Instead, head slightly southwest, then climb more gently on grassy slopes, keeping west of the main crags and aiming generally southwards.

Higher up, the route twists and turns a bit. Pick up a faint path that zigzags through occasional scree and boulder fields, eventually leading to the crest of Corr na Beinne - Sgurr na h-Ulaidh's western shoulder.

Looking from Sgurr na h-Ulaidh over Stob an Fhuarain to Bidean nam Bian and Ben Nevis

Looking from Sgurr na h-Ulaidh over Stob an Fhuarain to Bidean nam Bian and Ben Nevis

Now on easier ground, and with the fence posts reappearing, enjoy the final 500 metres to the summit of Sgurr na h-Ulaidh , where a small cairn stands on a rocky platform above a dramatic northern drop.

Looking from Sgurr na h-Ulaidh over Stob an Fhuarain to Bidean nam Bian and Ben Nevis

Looking from Sgurr na h-Ulaidh over Stob an Fhuarain to Bidean nam Bian and Ben Nevis


3. Stob an Fhuarain and return

Bealach between Sgurr na h-Ulaidh and Stob an Fhuarain

Bealach between Sgurr na h-Ulaidh and Stob an Fhuarain

Leaving Sgurr na h-Ulaidh's summit behind, head east and descend some rocky ground. Shortly thereafter, look for a path heading north-east dropping down fairly steep ground to reach the bealach between Sgurr na h-Ulaidh and the minor summit of Stob an Fhuarain, a 'Munro Top'.

Following a line of fence-posts, hike up to the cairn on Stob an Fhuarain , then continue northwards and drop around 150m of height and the other side of the 'Top'.

As the ground levels out aim north-west and descend on grassy slopes to return to the path on the east bank of the Allt na Muidhe and return on the route in.





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Alternative and nearby routes »


Sgurr na h-Ulaidh and Beinn Fhionnlaidh from Glen Etive

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Time : 7hr

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Peaks : 2 Munros

Ascent : 1300m (4270ft)
Distance : 12km (7m)
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