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Northumbria University Mountaineering Club |
O U T A C |
Routes : Five Sisters |
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OS MAP : |
33 |
Grade : |
2 |
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GR : |
966210 |
Terrain : |
2 |
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Distance : |
12.5 miles (19 km) |
Navigation : |
4 |
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Ascent : |
1,590 m (5,200 ft) |
Seriousness : |
2 |
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Time : |
8.5 hours |
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Assessment:
the classic West Highland ridge walk. Seasonal notes: a lengthy, but
exceptional, winter traverse for those competent on snow.
Sgurr nan
Spainteach* (990 m, 3,247 ft) Skoor nan Spahn-tyach, Peak of the Spaniards
Sgurr na
Ciste Duibhe (1,027 m, 3,369 ft) Skoor na Keesh tya Dooya, Peak of the Black
Chest or Coffin
Sgurr na
Carnach (1,002 m, 3,287 ft) Skoor na Carnach, Peak of the Stony Place
Sgurr
Fhuaran (1,068 m, 3,503 ft) Skoor Qo ran, Peak of the Spring
Sgurr nan
Saighead (929 m, 3,047 ft) Skoor nan Sigh-at, Peak of the Arrows
Sgurr na
Mbraich (876 m, 2,873 ft) Skoor na Mawrich, Peak of Morvich (ie sea-plain)
Bealach an
Lapain* Bayalach an Lab pin, The Easy Pass (poss)
Coire
Domdain* (should be Domhain) Corra Doe-in, Deep Corrie
Gleann Lichd
Glen Licht, Slabby Glen (from Gaelic Leac)
The
mountains bordering the north side of Glen Shiel are fine-looking hills with a
more complex topography than on the south side, and to appreciate their
separate characters to the full four routes (routes 42-5) are recommended. The
most westerly group of mountains is known as the Five Sisters of Kintail. The
view of them from the Glenelg road across Loch Duich is one of the most famous
in the Western Highlands, their grassy southern slopes falling steeply into Glen
Shiel at an average angle of more than 30t giving an impression of tremendous
height. According to legend there were originally seven sisters, daughters of a
local farmer. Two were taken as brides by visiting brothers, who promised to
send back their five other brothers for the remaining five sisters. But no one
came, and to preserve their beauty while they waited, the sisters agreed to let
the local wizard transform them into the peaks whose beauty has bewitched
travellers ever since. Without transport at both ends the traverse of the Five
Sisters is best approached from the north. Begin at Morvich Outdoor Centre in
Strath Croe, reached by a minor road that leaves the A87 at the head of Loch
Duich. Take the Land Rover track that branches right along the narrow confines
of Gleann Lichd, and becomes a path continuing past Glenlicht House to the foot
of Coire Domdain. From here climb directly up to the Bealach an Lapain and turn
right to ascend the narrow grassy east ridge of Sgurr nan Spainteach. The route
onwards is a magnificent high-level walk along the main ridge of the Five
Sisters around the head of wild Coire Domdain, firstly reaching Sgurr na Ciste
Duibhe (note the curious hollow on the intervening bealach, which may be
confusing in mist), then turning north and broadening over the stony top of
Sgurr na Carnach to the steep summit slopes of Sgurr Fhuaran, the highest peak
of the group. From here go down the north-west ridge a short distance, to avoid
steep ground, then cut back right to continue along the main ridge around
impressive slabs to the summit pyramid of Sgurr nan Saighead. Still to come is
the most interesting section of the route, a narrow crest that leads enjoyably
to the north-west top of Sgurr nan Siaghead, beyond which broader slopes lead
onward to Sgurr na Moraich, the fifth and lowest sister, with magnificent views
over Loch Duich. The day ends with a steep descent back to Morvich.
Scrambling
and walking amongst the finest scenery in Scotland!
|
Northumbria University Mountaineering Club |
O U T A C |
Routes : Five Sisters |
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