Between lochs Hourn and Shiel, the gnarled and intricate terrain of the west highlands reaches peak intransigence. A tangle of folded uplands and remote, boggy glens, the infamous Rough Bounds, or Na Garbh Chriochan, could hardly have been better named. Nothing is a pushover here. Go for broke with this biggie. Forming a barrier between Loch Cuaich, Glen Kingie and Glen Dessarry, a single great ridge leads west from the peripheral peak of Gairich to the craggy cone of Sgurr na Ciche in the stony heart of the Knoydart hinterland. A long and arduous route with access to match, this is a rewarding expedition for those who thrive on challenge. There's just one question: go all-in on a light one-day push, or bulk up for a weekender with a high camp or bivvy en route? Either way you're in for a memorable journey.
26.22 miles, 42.20 km, 3,399m ascent, 14 – 16 hours. Fort William
Did this last summer. Wee overnight at Kinbreak then along the ridge and out in a single push. Can thoroughly vouch for how tough going it is, buggered my knee on the way and couldn't do much at all for a month afterwards! Nonetheless a cracking route but not for the faint-hearted!
