Sgurr na Ciche

The wild and lonely tract of land that is situated between Loch's Arkaig, Quioch and Nevis contains a fine collection of high and rugged mountains that, if not geographically part of 'The Rough Bound's of Knoydart', they are at least in character. The highest of these magnificent mountains is Sgurr na Ciche (3410ft/1040m), a solitary cone that rises from Loch Nevis in one continuous sweep. Sgurr na Ciche has often been named 'The Matterhorn of Scotland', and is the terminus of a long rugged ridge containing no less than five Munro's, one Corbett and numerous other minor summits in it's roll call.

This area has many historical associations with the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. Prince Charles Edward Stuart or Bonnie Prince Charlie fled down the west side of Loch Lochy and westwards to the east end of Loch Arkaig, the day after the Battle of Culloden. He continued along the loch before turning down Glen Pean towards the west coast. All was not well and two months later, when hotly pursued by the redcoats (English Troops), he crossed these mountains, spending weeks in hiding before fleeing northwards over to Loch Quioch and back to the west coast to board a ship to France. One of the earliest Munroists perhaps, he reputedly spent a night out on Sgurr Thuilm high above Glen Pean, he also crossed the ridge that forms our recommended route for this area.

Garbh Cioch Mor and Sgurr na Ciche from Sgurr nan Coireachan

Sgurr na Ciche - Facts and Figures

Distance : 20 miles

Total Ascent : 8500ft

Time : 12 - 15 hrs

Route Grading : These majestic and wild mountains make up one the best ridge walk's in the West Highlands. The ever changing views of this area add to the pleasure of this outing. In winter this route requires both an early start and lots of stamina due to the testing length of the ridge, entertaining problems can be encountered and it is not for the inexperienced.

Accommodation : Numerous bothies are the only accommodation in this desolate area. I shall not list them but they are printed on the OS maps for the area (Work it out). Wild camping is probably best particularly if backpacking through the area.

Summits Visited In Our Route

	Gaelic Name	Translation	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Status
	Sgurr an Fhurain	Peak of the Well	2950ft	901m	Corbett
	Sgurr Mor	Big Peak	3290ft	1003m	Munro
	Sgurr Beag	Little Peak	2800ft	873m	Just a hill
	An Eag	The Notch	2650ft	830m	Another hill
	Sgurr nan Coireachan	Peak of the Corries	3125ft	953m	Munro
	Garbh Chioch Bheag	Little Rough Breast	3100ft	968m	Top
	Garbh Chioch Mhor	Big Rough Breast	3365ft	1013m	Munro
	Sgurr na Ciche	Peak of the Breast	3410ft	1040m	Munro

Maps

	Publisher	Scale	Title / No
	Ordnance Survey	1:50000	Sheets 33 and 40
	Bartholomew's	1:100000	Sheet 50

Sketch Diagram showing route to Sgurr na Ciche © Cameron Johnston 1997

We start this route about 1/2 a mile west of Loch Arkaig, where the B8005 road from Gairlochy ends. Our first peak Sgurr an Fhuarain is a long hike from here and we start by walking up as far as Glen Dessary Lodge before climbing up through the pass between Druim a Chuirn and Froach Bheinn before descending down into Glen Kingie. It is here that our first obstacle of the day is found - the river with no bridges. In spate conditions a crossing will be found by taking a diversion upstream, which only add's to the testing length of the day.

On the other side of the glen Sgurr Mor towers above and those only interested in Munro's can climb this peak. The purist will however aim for Sgurr an Fhuarain a fine Corbett at the east end of the ridge. A steep but steady climb lead's up finally to the Trig Point that mark's our first summit. Our final summit Sgurr na Ciche is visible in the distance from here, as is most of the ridge we have yet to cross. The route now turns westwards along the ridge following a stalkers path gradually down to a col below Sgurr Mor. In winter under snow this path will more than likely be obliterated. A stiff and rugged ascent leads to our first Munro

Sgurr Mor is a fine summit with the fantastic backdrop of Knoydart and Skye adding to the joy of being there. The ridge now drops steeply down through outcrops to the next col, care is required under snow on this descent in finding the correct line, in summer a fine stalkers path leads the way. In order to reach our next Munro we have to cross the two lower summit's of Sgurr Beag and An Eag, those who are allergic to non Munro's will just have to grit their teeth and get on with it. After An Eag another steep climb up through slabby rocks on a narrowing ridge brings us to Sgurr nan Coireachan. Garbh Cioch Mor and Sgurr na Ciche now look spectacular from here and the island's of Rhum and Eigg will be seen floating on the glimmering Atlantic Ocean.

Sgurr na Ciche viewed from Garbh Cioch Mor

The descent down to the Bealach nan Gall is steep and slabby and in icy conditions care will have to be taken. The climb up from the bealach leads through numerous outcrops and soon a large drystone dyke is encountered on the ridge. To the north wild Coire nan Gall and Loch Quioch add to the isolation and difficulty in accessing these mountains. The Garbh Ciochs live up to their name - Rough Breasts - and many ups and downs are encountered on route to the summit cairn. Another steep and rocky descent leads to the Feadan na Ciche below the large pyramid of Sgurr na Ciche. The route up to this wild summit is quite intricate a ramp sloping leftwards leads to a grassy bowl below a rake filled with scree. In winter this whole face banks out in snow and gives a steep sporting ascent that leads jubilantly to the Trig Point. The summit is a place to linger and take in all you see and no doubt a feeling of great satisfaction will be felt on reaching this goal.

The bad news is we now have a long walk back to our start point unless you decide to bivvy out. The best descent is found by retracing our steps with care down to the Feadan na Ciche, this in turn is followed by going down the gully on the south side. The gully eventually leads to a grassy terrace on the left side that leads us down into Glen Dessary, where a stalkers path leads us back to our start point after a long and rewarding day.