Sgurr Ghiubhsachain and Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn

[Chirs]

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Corbetts: Sgurr Ghiubhsachain and Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn
Date: Sunday 4th April 2010
Weather: Mostly sunny
Attendees: Just me
Time: 10 hours

On Saturday I had a long day at the western end of Glen Coe. However, the weather was a disappointment, with persistent snow showers, and the cloud staying low all day .

This picture just about sums Saturday up for me (looking back from Meall Lighiche to a tortuous descent from Sgor na h-Ulaidh):


Happily though, Sunday's weather was much better . With the west having the best forecast, I had decided to head towards Glenfinnan, with the hope of heading up Sgurr Ghiubhsachain and Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn. I parked up at Callop (just east of Glenfinnan), and set off along the track, towards the shores of Loch Shiel. The walk beside Loch Shiel was lovely, and gave a nice gentle start to the day .

Looking across Loch Shiel to the Glenfinnan Monument and the Harry Potter Viaduct:


Sgurr Ghiubhsachain up ahead:


After crossing the footbridge at Guesachan, I began my ascent of Sgurr Ghiubhsachain, heading up its NNE Ridge. The ridge is fairly steep and craggy all the way up, providing plenty of scrambling opportunities .

Looking back towards Glenfinnan:


Most if not all of the scrambling could be avoided by weaving around the rocky bits. However, I had a fantastic time while attempting to tackle them all fairly directly .

The 'Loch Shiel Cruises' boat heading along the Loch:


Looking across Loch Shiel to Beinn Odhar Bheag and Beinn Odhar Mhor:


The 'Loch Shiel Cruises' boat beneath Beinn Odhar Bheag:


A scrambly section up ahead:


Looking back down the ridge:


The ridge reaches the subsidiary top Meall a' Choire Chruinn, before its final pull up to Sgurr Ghiubhsachain's summit. I wasted quite a bit of time on this last section, due to numerous failed attempts at trying to climb up through one of the rocky bands . Eventually though I found a way up which felt comfortable enough .

Looking back down from Meall a' Choire Chruinn:


The final section leading to Sgurr Ghiubhsachain's summit:


Looking back down from Sgurr Ghiubhsachain's summit:


Sgurr Ghiubhsachain's summit is twin-topped, with the cairned SW top being the highest point. I sat here for a good while, taking in the lovely extensive views . Though Sgurr Ghiubhsachain's summit views are wonderful, they're the sort that photographs probably can't do justice to - or at least that's my excuse for not taking any pictures here! So I pressed on towards my second Corbett target for the day, Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn. The initial descent from Sgurr Ghiubhsachain was steep and rocky, but this soon gave way to easier ground, leading nicely across to Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn.

Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn up ahead:


However, just below the summit of Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn, a rocky band provided one final obstacle. Although this was steep, surprisingly good holds allowed a fairly direct scramble up it .

Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn's rocky obstacle:


I had been hoping to stay at Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn's summit to watch the sun set. Unfortunately though, thin high cloud was creeping in, making the sun very hazy . Also, the wind was picking up, so after taking a few photos, I decided to keep moving to stay warm.

Bidean nam Bian:


Ben Nevis:


Skye Cuillin:


My descent route took me down Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn's ENE ridge, over the subsidiary top Meall na Cuartaige, to reach the path leading back to Callop. Rather than heading directly for Meall na Cuartaige, I initially veered slightly to the right (eastwards), as the direct descent looked a bit craggy. The sun had set by the time I reached Meall na Cuartaige. It was therefore nice to have a last good look around here before continuing down the ridge .

Looking back from Meall na Cuartaige to Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn:


Gulvain and Lochan Dubh Torr an Tairbeirt:


Sgurr Dhomhnuill:


Once down the ridge, I simply had to follow the path back to Callop. I was surprised that the path soon became a track (not shown on my map), which serves a new hydro electric scheme. Photos of the hydro scheme in construction can be seen in Cuillin's and OwdJockey's trip reports from 2008.

And so ended a fine day, in a very fine area of Scotland.

[OwdJockey]

Excellent report Chirs

The route up the ridge to Sgurr Ghiubhsachain looks very interesting, in fact it looked good when viewed from Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn.

I always thought that Kathy & Gee took your route, but on re-reading Kathy's report I see they did a more direct assault on Ghiubhsachain from the Loch

[foggieclimber]

Another fine report Chirs.
I am looking forward to tackling these hills.
Hopefully see you on Skye/Harris next month.
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[WolfofBadenoch]

Did this route on Good Friday! PC problems have stopped me reporting. Maybe I wont have to now

I think you may have done more scrambling than me! I was just trying to breath at times going up the ridge!
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[SimonP]

Super photos. I enjoyed them. Nice detailed directions too. Although I think that I would skip the scrambling .
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Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

[AdrianL]

Enjoyed that. These hills have crept onto my radar recently, and I'm considering doing this route some time fairly soon, so very interested to read your account. It sounds like there's some igood scrambling to be had, which always appeals to me.
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All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be

[munros111]

long day , cracking route ,good pics
thanks for posting

[Squiz]

[Lochivroan]

Fine trip report on a pair of fine hills. Don't worry about your photos not doing the place justice - they're grand!
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On a clear day you can see Criffel from here!

[JimH]

Another cracker Chirs. Thanks.

Had these two on my sights and reading about all the scrambling i think i may be going there sooner rather than later

[Cuillin]

Fantastic report Chirs which brought back many happy memories of doing both these hills and their near neighbour. Loch Shiel is such a gem to photograph from the ridge.
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Being on the hills gives you a sense of where you are, where you've been, where you're going and why!

[620]

[fertg1234]

Looks like a fantastic route done in great weather leading to a thoroughly enjoyable report. I thought the pics were great

[doogz]

gr8 tr Chirs

excellent detail and good vistas
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its this way!...you sure?...over here..no no over this way....how do you know we havent been here before..? typical day out unless you walk alone
Doogz

[kinley]

Excellent

2 TR's in short order from some great hills.

Your trademark excellent photography too

Cheers