These hills are far, far better from the North, but the trade route as described here is the easiest way; no walk-in, no river crossing, and no Glen level trudge back, hence always get regurgitated (sorry Dan).
These hills have a chalk and cheese character the south open slopes wide vistas and the very good stalkers path with easy access The North craggy, rugged and complex, but with harder access, and pulls you back for further exploration.
From the North you feel much more remote, you have the choice of ridges bounding fine corries to ascend and descend (rather than open slopes) which are rarely travelled, there is scope for low commitment outcrop slabby scrambling on exceptionally good rock, take it or leave it terrain, and more entertaining than the south by a long way, on the lower sections approaching to the central ridge on Mailach (and probably elsewhere). The central ridge is then is narrow enough to provide good mountaineering type fun in a wild setting in Winter, or a surprise in Summer (granted it’s no Forcan Ridge). You get to see into and appreciate these northern corries far more than the standard route (I must go back and bivi in them) and there are surprising stalkers paths (but not as good as the southern flank).
But it’s a long day and doesn’t fit with a ‘ticking’ ethos which the south approach caters for. For those that want to explore and do not need or want to follow ‘a trade route’ you will not be disappointed. Crocs or sandals might come in handy for the river.
Post edited at 14:26