Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan

Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan is one of the great Scottish mountains. It is situated in the heart of the wild country between the head of Glen Affric and Glen Elchaig, a very long way from the nearest public road or settlement and surrounded by other mountains. It is not just a single peak, but a great range of many peaks, corries and ridges whose size and scale are matched by only two or three other Scottish mountains. Mullach na Dheiragain is 4 kilometres north-east of Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, and although it is classified as a separate Munro it is in character just one of the many outlying tops of Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan.

No matter which route is chosen to climb these two mountains, it will be a very long day's hillwalking unless you are staying at Alltbeithe youth hostel in Glen Affric. Other possible routes start from Killilan at the foot of Glen Elchaig and Morvich near the head of Loch Duich, and the approach by boat or canoe along Loch Mullardoch gives access to the 8-kilometre long north-east ridge.

The Glen Elchaig approach starts by cycling from Killilan to the outflow of Loch na Leitreach, then climbing the path to the magnificent Falls of Glomach. Continue up the Abhainn Gaorsaic for a further 1½ kilometres and then climb south-east onto the north-west ridge of Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan. Traverse round the rim of Coire Lochan and over the West Top to the summit. Descend the long north-east ridge to reach Mullach na Dheiragain and from there go down the north-west spur to the path in Gleann Sithidh. Follow this path west over the watershed and down to Iron Lodge at the head of Glen Elchaig, and finally at the end of a long day stroll 4 kilometres down the glen to your bicycle.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)