Home   Glossary

Gairich

Munro
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
919 m (3015 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NN02599957
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
272 of 282 Munros
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Noisy hill
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  33   Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel & Loch Hourn
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Gairich is located between Glen Kingie and Loch Quoich.

It has moderate to steep slopes rising to crags below the summit ridge which runs SW to NE, with two peaks, Gairich and Gairich Beag (730m). From the summit ridge three ridges arise, NNW turning N to Meall a' Coire Leith (437m), NNE and finally E to Druim na Geid Salaich.

The normal ascent route is via the E ridge on easy slopes leading to a steep climb through rocky outcrops to the summit. An alternative ascent can be made via the W slopes of Gairich Beag were a stalkers path leads to the summit.

Hazards you may encounter on Gairich include
 Stony/rocky Slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Scrambling (minor), easy hand and footholds.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for Gairich

Gairch seen from the Kinloch Hourn Road.

© Peter Chisholm
Image by Peter Chisholm

Gairich from Spidean Mialach, 28/12/08

© Alex Bryce
Image by Alex Bryce

Gairch from the dam at dusk

© David Nichols
Image by David Nichols

Gairich - Heading up Gairich's ridge

© Ken Mason
Image by Ken Mason
View All 26 Images for Gairich

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
North West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Ladhar Bheinn
by Metcheck
Gairich Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
We currently have no
sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include Gairich.

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include Gairich
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1165 m 20.91 km 6.5 hrs Gairich  Moderate route with some scrambling close to summit.  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of Gairich

  Baggers Gallery for Gairich

Maura (on the left) and the Wee Black Dug at the summit of Gairich. September 2014.

© Scott Blair
Image by Scott Blair

The dogs had to stay at home because of that locked gate so on my own at the summit 21/7/2012

© Margaret Spalding
Image by Margaret Spalding

On top of Gairich, another good day in the hills.

© Steve Marlow
Image by Steve Marlow

Summit of Gairich 31/12/2011.

© john wells
Image by john wells
View All 15 Baggers Images for Gairich
The logging section stores any entries for Gairich in your own log. From here you can
  1. Add a route log entry that includes this mountain
  2. Write a full account of your route including photos
  3. Edit an existing log entry including uploading a GPX file or add a photo
  4. Delete your log entry
  Logging
Your Route Log
You need to be a member to have a route log.
Recently Climbed By
Will Gilbertson on 16 Sep 2023
Claire Wales on 08 Aug 2023
Cheryl Stewart on 05 Aug 2023
Cheryl Stewart on 05 Aug 2023

If a member has uploaded a tracklog as part of their personal route log and opted to share it then it will be presented here.

You can view a members route overlayed on an online map or download the KMZ file for use in Google Earth.

 Shared Members Track Logs
 
Gairich
by Doug Tulloch
Gairich
by Brian Doolan
Gairich
by Alasdair Cairns
Gairich
by William McGilvray
Gairich
by Kenny Mcneill

Post a few words about Gairich or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Showing the most recent 5 of 8 comments. Would you like to view all 8?
John Mcallister
wrote on
March 16, 2012
Climbed 15/03/12, Path is indeed very boggy- some sections as deep as my trekking pole! Other than that a nice walk with a cpl of scrambly bits near top. Nothing to worry about thou.
Peter Lang
wrote on
September 12, 2006
climbed 11/9/06 - slight exaggeration on path, wore gaiters expecting worst but nothing remarkable, encountered a lot worse in 240+ munros. good path along ridge to base final steep 320 m climb to summit and excellent path scrambles up front. Our party of 6 took 6hrs enjoying views etc - much more enjoyable than expected and good character. Return via stony shore for some variety if ground really wet.
David Nichols
wrote on
January 7, 2006
My son Ellis and I climbed this hill on January 3rd 2006 when most of the ground underfoot was frozen solid. Judging by the comments before it seems like we did the right thing! The steep zig zag path to the top avoids most problems and the views were stunning.
David Howie
wrote on
December 30, 2005
Moisture - what moisture? Wait for a freeze..........
Ian Johnston
wrote on
January 9, 2005
For the full wetness effect, try climbing this hill on the fourth day of heavy rain, and on a day when the west of Scotland flooded. Be aware though, that in very wet weather the unnamed burn feeding into Glen Kingie at NN066996 will be difficult to cross. A good guide is the outflow from Lochan nan Fhigheadair - if you have to wade this on the way out, it will be difficult to cross the burn without a waist deep wade. Otherwise a good little hill - celebrate the moisture!
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

You can prepare your own write up by first making an entry in your route log and then visiting the logging section above.

  Route Write-Ups
  Date Title Written by Including...
1 28 May 2010 Gairich from the Loch Quoich dam Roger Vander Steen Gairich Not Yet Rated
 
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Contact Us