Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich

Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich

Mid-July saw a continuation of the misfiring summer of 2016 with a  succession of relentlessly wet and windy days in the Highlands.  Consequently, Jennifer’s mid-summer Munro raid on the hills around Loch Quoich, west of Invergarry in the Great Glen was threatening to be a complete washout.  Fortunately, after snatching a hard-fought hill-day (2 Munros) above Loch Treig in slightly less wet and windy conditions, the last day dawned bright and sunny and a quality Munro day beckoned.

The Long and Winding Road to Kinlochhourn

Back we went along the long and winding road to Kinlochhourn and parked just past the northern extension of Loch Quoich.  From here, an excellent stalkers’ path leads from the road up and along the grassy ridge of Bac nan Canaichean.  Without meaning to sound ungrateful, the sunny weather came with an uncomfortable sting in the tail.  Very warm and humid conditions do not make for comfortable hillwalking and that was certainly the case this morning when the strength appeared to drain from our legs.  At times, it felt a bit like high altitude walking and we were forced to pause frequently as we struggled under a hot sun.  Some respite was offered by a light breeze once over the subsidiary top of Sgurr Coire nan Eiricheallach (891m), but it wasn’t much of a concession.

Gairich Across Loch Quoich

Despite the debilitating conditions, the final stretch of ridge between this top and the Munro summit is truly delightful with spectacular views in all directions.  The summit itself came just 2hrs after leaving the car, but it was hard work which the photos don’t really capture.  It is a fine peak though with ridges radiating in all directions and a fabulous view down Loch Hourn towards Knoydart: Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich (1027m; peak of the shellfish). 

The View West From the Summit Towards Knoydart

We descended the same way (easy) thereby taking advantage of the path rather than descending the S ridge and cutting down across the pathless Coire nan Eiricheallach, a route I’d taken on my 2 previous visits.

 So, only one of the Quoich Munros achieved over the 5 days, but it won’t be long before Jennifer returns to finish them off - we just need summer to start taking itself seriously!

Sgurr a' Mhaoraich

Check out my plans for similar walks at: http://www.hillways.co.uk/summer/summer.htm