Sgùrr an Lochain

Sgùrr an Lochain, at 1,004 metres, is the sixth Munro of the South Glen Shiel Ridge, requiring a short detour off the main ridge path to reach its true summit, with fine views into Coire Lochain and across towards Knoydart.

Reached from Sgùrr an Doire Leathain, the approach involves a slight diversion from the main trodden path, with a short, simple scramble encountered by some parties depending on the direction of travel — generally regarded as easy and optional, with a bypass available.

From the summit, the ridge continues towards the final Munro of the day, Creag nan Dàmh, passing to the south side of the minor top Sgùrr Beag, which most walkers bypass via a well-worn path rather than climbing its summit.

The full South Glen Shiel Ridge, taking in all seven Munros, is around 25 kilometres with roughly 1,900 metres of ascent, typically ten to eleven hours; by this stage in the day, most parties are running on reserves, and the final push to Creag nan Dàmh often proves a trial for tired legs.

Though not individually difficult, reaching this point represents a genuine achievement of sustained fitness — full navigation and stamina remain essential for the final stages of what is one of Scotland's longest single-day ridge traverses.

Parking in the layby east of the Cluanie Inn is free; Citylink buses between Glasgow and Inverness run along the A87, stopping at Cluanie Inn on request.