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.
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metres / Distance
miles
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.
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Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 7.33 miles (11.80 km)
Total ascent: 964m
Time: 4 – 5 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Roadside parking place on A890 1km west of Loch Sgamhain (there's room for several cars), NH079520
Nearest town:
Lochcarron or Dingwall
Terrain:
Boggy ground leads to a steep ascent on a clear path. The terrain on the tops is largely straightforward.
Seasonal variations:
Steep ground on the ascent of Moruisg would need particular care in snowy or icy conditions.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
The hills are roughly mid-way between train stations at Achnasheen and Achnashellach. It's not a short walk from either, but would be a quick and easy road cycle from Achnasheen, with minimal climbing.
Guidebooks:
The Munros (SMC)
Maps:
OS Explorer 429 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 25 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Lochcarron (01520 722357)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
I did these today. It's a shame Ceannaichean has been demoted, as up and down Moruisg from the road would be pretty boring. And I guess that's what a lot of people will do now.
The best part of the day is the ridge between the two with views to the expanse of mountains on both sides.
As far as I'm concerned, once a Munro always a Munro. If the SMC wants to tinker with things, they should have their own list of the "SMC 3,000ers". Ceannaichean is staying on my list.