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Sgurr Coire Choinnichean from Inverie

Start/Finish

Mallaig or Inverie in Knoydart. Inverie is reached from Mallaig by ferry. In the summer, the service has been expanded and it is now possible to make day trips to Inverie with 8 or more hours between ferries. The current timetable can be found by searching for Knoydart Ferry on the internet. Ferry places are limited on some sailings so advance booking is essential. For those wishing to stay on Knoydart, there is plenty accommodation available easily located on the internet.

Distance/Time

8 km.    About 5 hours walking

Peaks

Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, 796 m, NG 790 010.     OS sheet 33: Loch Alsh & Glen Shiel

Introduction

This is a very pleasant walk on reasonable paths. It includes views into a very impressive gorge and a well defined crest albeit with several false tops. Sgurr Coire Choinnichean is the striking hill seen above Inverie on the ferry from Mallaig to Knoydart – the only part of the UK mainland with island status as there is no road in. On a clear day, the views are exceptional especially to Ladhar Bheinn which is fairly close.

Route

(1) Locate the signed path at the “conservatory” end of The Forge public house which is reached by turning right at the end of the jetty. Go up the track to meet another track then turn right (signed). Further on, turn left (signed) and follow the path and signs through the forest to reach a high stile over a deer fence. Once over, go right to soon reach a wall where a faint path heads uphill. Follow this and take any options drifting right to reach the Allt Slochd a' Mhogha gorge which is very impressive. Do not attempt to cross the gorge but go up its left bank on easy grass with a faint path. Go around the top of the gorge to pick up a more obvious path which heads for the crest of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean. Low down on the crest is a slightly awkward rock step (see photo) where a rock flake has fallen into what was previously an easy step. Once past here, the path winds up the crest, mainly on grass. There are two short narrow sections which some will find unnerving in windy conditions. Beyond these are several false tops, one with a noticeable descent after it, before the large cairn, seemingly made of small slabs, is reached which is the summit of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, 796 m.

(2) Retrace the outward route as the views are much better than any alternative descent route. In mist the path after the rock step can be difficult to follow so bear this in mind during the ascent.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 9^th April, 2017.