Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean Walking

Rising between Glen Carron and the wild upper reaches of Strathconon, the range comprising Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean has an independent feel, with open views spanning the nearby Monar Munros along with the crazy skyline of the Coulin, Torridon and Fisherfield hills. Moruisg is an easily accessible 3000-er, but while it was demoted from Munro to Corbett status over a decade ago, its neighbour Sgurr nan Ceannaichean is arguably the more interesting of the two peaks. But you don't have to choose either or: this enjoyable and relatively bite-sized route includes both.

(L to R): Sgurr a' Chaorachain, Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean from Moruisg  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
(L to R): Sgurr a' Chaorachain, Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean from Moruisg
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
NH0799552022 Go through a gate and take the grassy path roughly east to a wooden bridge over the river. The path now leads to an underpass below the railway (watch your head), then through a gate in a deer fence to enter an area of planted native woodland (the trees are still just saplings, but one day...)

2
NH0831251742 Muddy and wet in places, the path climbs steadily southeast up the grassy slope, before zigzagging up a steep spur just to the left of the leftmost of three deep-cut gullies. Just before the angle begins to ease the path crosses the head of the gully (slight exposure) before climbing onto the gentler upper slopes of Moruisg. Where the trail fades into boggy ground continue directly uphill. Up on the broad top, pass a large well-built cairn to reach the smaller cairn on the high point, towards the southwest end of the summit ridge.

3
NH1011249952 Follow the broad, grassy ridge southwest and then south, descending along the edge of the Coire Toll nam Bian before passing over a minor top. A steeper descent, weaving among outcrops, leads to the bealach between the two hills.

4
NH0931748533 Heading roughly west, the path climbs onto a broad shoulder, before curving south up the ridge for a last rubbly climb onto Sgurr nan Ceannaichean. To get to the true high point, pass a big cairn in the middle of the summit plateau, to reach a smaller cairn on the edge of steep ground overlooking remote Gleann Fhiodhaig.

5
NH0871448065 Return the way you came down the initial steep descent onto the lower shoulder, then pick up a path that bears left, roughly north, to descend onto the hill's north ridge. Descend this ridge on the obvious, well-trodden trail. Towards the bottom, the steep broken ground of Creag a' Chait is skirted to the left, before trending back right to head northeast over boggy ground to reach the burn draining Coire Toll nam Bian.

6
NH0892249767 A path leads on downhill, following the east side of the burn, passing a series of cascades in a gorge to enter a gated area of regenerating native woodland. Carry on downstream through the pretty woods, wet underfoot in places, before passing through another gate onto open ground. Bear right across very boggy terrain to return to the railway underpass leading back towards the car park.

This has been viewed 1,872 times


Further Routes

by Dan Bailey UKH



Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email