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Sgurr Mhic Bharraich from Shiel Bridge

Sgurr Mhic Bharraich from Shiel Bridge

Start/Finish

Shiel Bridge garage which is on the A87 from Invergarry to the Kyle of Lochalsh. There is parking between the garage and the camp site behind.

Distance/Time

9 km    About 4 - 5 hours

Peaks

Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, 779 m, NG 917 173. OS sheet 33.

Introduction

This is a relatively straight forward walk although the ascent is quite steep up the long, mainly grassy, east ridge. There are several tops but only one is cairned. However, this could still be confusing in mist. As the views are superb, especially to the Five Sisters, Beinn Sgritheall and The Saddle, do save this walk for a clear day when even the Skye hills, including the Cuillin Ridge will be seen.

Route

(1) From the Shiel Bridge garage, walk towards the camp site and take the track passing to its right then behind the camp site. Follow the path, by the river, over a minor hill to cross the river by a bridge. Continue on the path for no more than about 500 km then pick a way up the moderately steep slopes on the right. There is little in the way of a path but the occasional sheep track may help. There is some heather but plenty of grassy channels to avoid most of it. Eventually, the angle eases and one can follow the ridge (not too well defined at this point) around to the right and up to the medium cairn which marks the summit of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, 779 m.

(2) Descend roughly SSE, picking a way down mainly grassy slopes but there are some small crags which are easily avoided. It may be easier to go S initially then follow a shallow grassy corrie before crossing its stream and going more to the E. The target is Loch Coire nan Crogachan which is large enough to see on approach. Beyond it is a good path. Join this path after passing the loch and follow it down, E then curving around to NNE. It eventually becomes the outward path which can be followed back to the camp site.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 2nd May, 2015.

(b) Accommodation is limited at Shiel Bridge but there are two camp sites. One behind the garage, the other at Morvich on the old road around Loch Duich. The latter is run by the Caravan Club and has very good facilities including Wi-Fi.

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