This is the summed total of all the climbing within a route and is a good indicator of the strenuousness of a route.
Total Ascent
1605 m
An estimate of the time taken based on a derivation of Naismiths rules. Our calculation is based on the horizontal and ascent components of a climb, we do not make a reduction for descent.
Registered users can customise these walking times by specifying their own walking and ascending speeds. They can also add a fixed time period for stoppages.
Route Time
7.5 hrs
The horizontal distance of the route.
Route Distance
22.01 km
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.
You can click on the map name to purchase the map for £6.29 including postage which is one of the cheapest prices we have found.
Our summary will always contain one of easy, moderate or hard to indicate the severity of the route.
Notes
This long route is the east section of the South Glen Shiel Ridge. The traverse of the whole ridge is a considerable undertaking so it is described in two parts.
Here we provide the nearest town to the start of the route where you will find basic services.
We then give directions from that location to the route start. Your approach route may differ.
Travel Information
Head to: Shiel Bridge
From Shiel Bridge (A87) travel SE 18km to Loch Cluanie dam.
Route Waypoint Map
The total ascent is 1,605 metres. Allow 7.5 hours to complete this 22.01 km route.
In winter months please check the local snow conditions at sais.gov.uk.
The hillphones service can inform you of stalking activities in the area.
Usually the shortest way to climb the mountain, making best use of tracks and paths to gain altitude. Route navigation requires map reading skills and an ability to navigate with a compass.
The information given here will enable you to annotate your map and plan your route. We do not give anecdotal descriptions on where to find the paths, worn by the feet of previous mountaineers.
Where the access routes are few or the ridge is narrow, paths are generally obvious. On open ground, following paths without using your compass may get you lost in poor visibility.
Route Information
Waypoint Detail
Leave car at Cluanie Inn on A87
NH07881175
Distance
Altitude 230 m
1
Head SSW across bridge
NH07731120
Distance 0.57 km
Altitude 240 m
2
Follow track ESE towards Cluanie Lodge
NH09291047
Distance 1.80 km
Altitude 300 m
3
Bear S on track
NH09290942
Distance 1.10 km
Altitude 364 m
4
Continue SSE on track
NH09970906
Distance 0.81 km
Altitude 390 m
5
Follow track S to junction
NH10120720
Distance 2.12 km
Altitude 400 m
6
Take path and head SW
NH09840691
Distance 0.48 km
Altitude 450 m
7
Ascend NW to summit of Creag a' Mhaim
NH08790778
Distance 1.66 km
Altitude 947 m
8
Head NW onto ridge
NH08190819
Distance 0.74 km
Altitude 825 m
9
Continue NW on curving ridge to summit of Druim Shionnach
NH07420850
Distance 0.84 km
Altitude 987 m
10
Descend WSW
NH07070844
Distance 0.36 km
Altitude 923 m
11
Descend W on ridge to minor top 938m
NH06290821
Distance 0.87 km
Altitude 938 m
12
Continue WSW on ridge
NH05400807
Distance 0.91 km
Altitude 880 m
13
Ascend NW to summit of Aonach air Chrith
NH05100834
Distance 0.40 km
Altitude 1021 m
14
Descend SW onto Ridge
NH04740822
Distance 0.39 km
Altitude 906 m
15
Continue on ridge heading WNW
NH03370855
Distance 1.46 km
Altitude 855 m
16
Ascend NW to summit of Maol Chinn-dearg
NH03240878
Distance 0.26 km
Altitude 981 m
17
Descend NE towards Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach
NH03790942
Distance 0.87 km
Altitude 726 m
18
Continue descending SE along ridge
NH04271023
Distance 0.95 km
Altitude 570 m
19
Descend NNE on winding path to road
NH04441143
Distance 1.85 km
Altitude 250 m
20
Return E to Cluanie Inn for refreshments
NH07881175
Distance 3.60 km
Altitude 230 m
A selection of weather forecasts local to this route.
Creag a' Mhaim (left) and Druim Shionnach seen from the north-east across Loch Cluanie. The old Cluanie-Tomintoul road, flooded at the Loch Loyne causeway when the dam was built, cuts a diagonal line across their bases.
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Rating & Reviews
Rating & Reviews
Rated:
from 10 votes
Click Stars to Vote
Your Rating
Written by
John Gilchrist
on 11 Jul 2009:
The approach to the start of the ascent of Creag a Mhaim seems interminable - and I saw a number of folks strike off too early and struggle direct up the east face. Stick with it though - the stalkers path up the south east flank is a delight. Watch out for/enjoy some airy scrambling as you descend from Aonoch air Crith towards Maol Chinn Dearg. Not a little exposure and some pretty loose holds make for an exciting 20 minutes!
Written by
Craig Dunderdale
on 11 Mar 2007:
I did the whole ridge on a clear day on 9th October 2006 with my mate Phil Brown in 8hrs. We started at the Cluanie Inn (they only drop off if ur staying there!) and walked out via the North East ridge of Creag nan Damh. A taxi from the village to the Cluanie dropping your car off at the Glenshiel memorial may be your best option, if you don't want to take your chances with thumbing or the bus timetable. Graham Ellis route is a good way onto the ridge easily marked path. Without a doubt one of the best days I've ever had on Munros!
Written by
Graham Ellis
on 27 Aug 2006:
The Cluanie Inn offers a car relocation service (at a charge) to allow you to leave your car at the end of the route. It would also be feasible to walk west to east and bike back downhill from Cluanie. I did the whole ridge, as although it is a long day, once you are up there then why not continue? It is not necessary to follow the track so far at the start. There is an obvious path up Creag a' Mhaim from NH09280943.
Written by
Donald Cameron
on 20 May 2005:
Climbed with some dobbers from ETAP oil platform. Good day out in cack weather!
Written by
Fiona Masson
on 08 Oct 2004:
Husband and I did the whole ridge in July. Rain/low cloud till we reach top of Creag a' Mhaim then sunshine/views/heat. The answer to why people go walking!!. Easy walking and one I will definitely remember. Great feeling once done. Only problem we found was we ended up coming down through craggy area of Creag nan Damh which was quite hard going until we got onto path, our mistake but easily done. ENJOY
Disclaimer. The details provided above are an aid to planning an expedition, but all distances, altitudes and bearings must be considered approximate. You must navigate with the appropriate map,
a compass, your navigation skills and common sense, MunroMagic.com accept no responsibility for your interpretation of our route information.
