Spidean Mialach

Spidean Mialach, at 996 metres, is the second of a pair of fine Munros on the north side of Loch Quoich, its large summit cairn perched right on the edge of dramatic northern cliffs, giving a splendid, scalloped cliff-edge walk along three successive corries.

Reached from Gleouraich via Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich and a steep, rocky descent to the Fiar Bhealaich col, the ascent to Spidean Mialach follows a path winding up slopes of stones and grass, skirting the edge of two wild corries to reach a western top before continuing east to the true summit — most of the stony ground higher up can be avoided by keeping slightly right on grassier terrain. The cairn's position right on the cliff edge gives a genuinely dramatic feel, with views east to Lochs Loyne and Garry.

From the summit, the route continues south-west along the ridge, keeping close to the cliff edge as the corries fall away steeply to the north, before the path descends more gently to the south, eventually reaching boggy, heather-clad ground north of Loch Fearna and rejoining the outward route back to the road.

Alternative, considerably more remote approaches exist via Alltbeithe in Glen Quoich, giving access to Gleouraich's north ridge, or via a long east ridge crossed by the Scottish National Trail over the Mam na Seilg — both deter most walkers given the extra distance and remoteness involved compared to the standard southern approach.

The combined round taking in both Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach from the Loch Quoich layby is typically six to seven hours, one of the more rewarding and comparatively straightforward Munro pairings in the Western Highlands.

The cliff-edge sections demand a good head for heights, even though the path itself is generally well-defined — full navigation skills remain valuable in poor visibility, particularly around the connecting bealachs where paths can become faint.

Parking at the layby is free but limited; there is no public transport along Loch Quoich.