A lovely winter’s walk of the Munro, Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich, Loch Quoich, with Rachel and Hubby G. This Munro is close to another highly recommend walk of the Munros Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach.
Hike to the summit of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich
There are times when Scotland’s weather brings a day of superb conditions – and Rachel, Hubby G and I struck it lucky with a hike of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich, Loch Quoich.
It was Rachel’s first time on this Munro and the second time for Hubby G and me. In fact, after summiting the 1027m tall mountain, G has only 21 Munros to walk to finish his second round.
We drove to the start of the walk of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich with our hopes rising for a full-on blue sky winter’s day. It was one of those days when you knew that the only thing to be doing was something outdoorsy.
The walk follows a well-trodden stalker’s path north from the roadside on the northern shore of Loch Quoich. We made steady progress uphill on the zig-zagging route, stopping every so often to take in the ever-widening views down over the loch and out towards a super landscape of snow-topped peaks.
Rachel and I kept up our usual non-stop chatter, with G joining in every so often, although he seemed happy enough to simply walk and enjoy the views. Rachel and i had lots to catch up on after respective recent holidays.
From the first high point of Sgùrr Coire nan Eirichean, the path steers west for almost 2km to then reach the top of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich.
As we sat eating our lunches, we enjoyed the breath-taking vista at the summit cairn. We couold even make out Ben Nevis on the horizon.
Another two walkers and their friendly sighthound joined us and we all agreed that we couldn’t have been luckier with the sunny day.
2 options for the descent of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich
While G headed back on the same route that we had ascended, Rachel and I decided to complete a circuit via Coire a Chaorainn.
Our descent headed north from the top of the Munro and down a very steep slope to Bealach Coire a’Chaorainn. Some of the path was covered in patches of snow and ice, so we had to pick our way carefully.
Looking ahead, we could see the slope to Am Bathaich rising steeply and with many crags. We considered the route and discussed our choice of ascent, which then headed a little left, before zig-zagging right again.
Gazing west, we enjoyed views towards the mountains of the Knoydart Peninsula and Loch Hourn.
There was little difficulty in finding the route from Am Bathaich, which took us east and along a wide ridge until we began another descent. Down below, we spotted a delightful series of wide grassy zig-zags. On closer inspection, the path looked like it had been mown in place, such was its manicured appearance.
On reaching Allt Coire a’Chaorainn, we crossed a stream and followed the south-west bank. The first section was a bit muddy and wet but after that we joined a wide track back towards the road.
G had driven along to meet us so we didn’t need to walk a short stretch back long the tarmac.
Whichever way you decide to walk the route to the summit of Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich, make sure you choose a day of fine weather.
The details: Sgùrr a’ Mhaoraich
Distance: 14.5km
Total elevation: 1079m.
See: Strava and Walk Highlands.