Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain
| Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain | |
| Inverness-shire | |
|---|---|
 Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain and Loch Shiel from Glenfinnan | |
| Summit: | 2,785 feet NM875752 56°49’10"N, 5°29’1"W |
Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain is a mountain in western Inverness-shire. Its summit is the highest point in a group of mountains that stand south of Glenfinnan, to the southeast of the northern part of Loch Shiel. It is considerably lower than the peaks of the nearby Nevis Range, but it is remoter, a long way from any public road, and thus a challenge.
The slopes of Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain are steep and rugged on all sides and are devoid of paths. Despite easy access to the trail head from the road from Fort William to Mallaig, an individual or party that climbs this mountain may be alone there, even on a fine day in the summer.
The name 'Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain' is Gaelic, and means "Peak of the fir-wood".
Ascents
The best starting point is a car park at Callop, which is close to the A830 road which connects Fort William and Mallaig. From here, there are two possible routes, by way of the banks of Loch Shiel, or by way of the Allt na Cruaiche.
Loch Shiel Route
From Callop, a forestry vehicle track heads westwards, then continues south west along the banks of Loch Shiel. Those returning by the same route can save time by using a bicycle. After about 4 miles, this track reaches a small cottage at Guesachan, from where the north ridge can be ascended. The ridge is steep and craggy, and may require scrambling in places.
Guidebooks recommend bypassing the lower part of the ridge by way of the Allt Coire Ghiubhsachain, but not all authorities agree that this is necessary.[1]
After gaining a subsidiary summit at an elevation of about 2,690 feet, the route continues along a short ridge by way of a minor col to the main summit, which is marked by a large cairn.
If returning by the Allt na Cruaiche route, a direct descent of the southeast face may be obstructed by steep slabs, but these can be avoided by first returning to the minor col.
Allt na Cruaiche route
From Callop, a path follows a course west of the Allt na Cruaiche, eventually reaching an elevation of 1250 feet before descending into Cona Glen. The path is not in good condition; parts of it are boggy enough to support tadpole populations. A new hydro-electric development may also interfere with the routes shown on older guide maps. From the high point of the path, the route traverses up to the 1,850-foot col to the northeast of Sgùrr Ghiubhsachain; from the col, the route to the minor col between the main and subsidiary summits avoids the steep slabs.
Sgorr Craobh a'Chaorainn
Corbett and Marilyn baggers can include Sgorr Croabh a Chaorainn ("Rowantree Peak"), to the northeast of the above-mentioned 1,850-foot col, within their itinerary. A crossing of this peak provides a good alternative to part of the Cruaiche path. There are steep sections that may require scrambling; a step to the west of the summit can be bypassed on the south side.
References
- Climbing the Corbetts, Hamish Brown, ISBN 1-898573-08-5
- The Call of the Corbetts, Irvine Butterfield, ISBN 0-7153-2754-2
- The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills, Scott Johnstone (Editor) et al., ISBN 0-907521-29-0
- The Corbett Almanac, Cameron McNeish, Neil Wilson Publishing, ISBN 1-897784-14-7
- 100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains, Ralph Storer, ISBN 0-7515-0300-2
- Caledonia Hilltreks
- Mountainhiking