Sgurr na Stri
THE CUILLIN AND MINGINISH
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1. Park on the south side of the river at Sligachan i.e. the opposite side to the hotel, where there is a lay-by next to the track for Sligachan Lodge. Go through the gate for the footpath up Glen Sligachan from this side of the river - it is signed for Elgol and Loch Coruisk; the path follows the fence at first alongside a gorge. Soon a gate is reached in the fence and one path goes through it to the left; continue straight on here, up a pitched section of path. This continues clearly up the glen, although it becomes stonier and boggy in places.
2. There are fine views of Sgurr nan Gillean to the right, and the Red Hills and Marsco to the left. The path crosses numerous small streams, and after 3 kilometres reaches a much larger one - the Allt na Measarroch. Cross this on large stones. After another boggy section, the path becomes drier. The almost imperceptible watershed is reached after another 3 kilometres, where two small lochs are in view to the right. Shortly after this, the path forks at a large cairn. Take the right fork which soon crosses a stream. Bla Bheinn (Blaven) dominates the view from here, its great western face looking unclimbable.
3. After another boggy section the path begins to climb the ridge on the right side of the valley. The prominent pyramidal peak ahead is not Sgurr na Stri as might be hoped, but is Sgurr Hain. Eventually the Druim Hain ridge is reached at a large cairn. The view from here is tremendous; the lower part of Loch Coruisk is visible below, whilst the Inaccessible Pinnacle appears end-on high above; further right, Sgurr nan Gillean is a slender spire supported by its upper two pinnacles.
4. The path forks again at the cairn; the right hand branch descends to Loch Coruisk; take the left branch instead, which contours the slopes below Sgurr Hain. Continue on this rough path, which descends slightly, for some distance until a good point is reached for striking off up towards Sgurr na Stri (the path eventually peters out on very steep ground lower down). Probably the best place to leave it is where it crosses a small stream. Ascend grassy slopes from here towards the col below Sgurr na Stri; higher up, climb grass or easy angled slabs, trending to the right to give the easiest line towards the summit. Just before the summit is a huge slab of Gabbro; either ascend this or the grassy slope to its right. Whichever exact route is taken, the summit cairn should eventually be reached.
5. Sgurr na Stri (meaning the peak of Strife) may be only 494 metres high, but on a clear day you couldn't get closer to heaven. The seaward vista takes in Eigg and Rhum, and Mull beyond, whilst there is a spectacular view of Camusunary bay and Loch na Creitheach backed by Blaven which is best seen from the eastern summit two hundred metres away across a deep gash. But it is the view of the Cuillin Ridge curling round Loch Coruisk which is, quite simply, magnificent. From Gars-bheinn the ridge takes in Sgurr nan Eag (set slightly back) and then Sgurr Dubh Mhor, looking dominant from here with its great ridge sweeping down to Coruisk. Sgurr Alasdair is hidden behind it, but Sgurr Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a Mhadaidh look fine at the back of Coruisk. Further right is Bidean Druim nam Ramh with its two summits, and Bruach na Frithe, before the distinctive Am Basteir and its tooth and finally the pinnacles of Sgurr nan Gillean. It is also worth approaching close to the edge of the cliffs for a great view almost straight down towards the Bad Step and two beautiful sandy bays (pictured).
6. The Cuillin from Sgurr na Stri
7. It is possible with care to find a descent route towards Camusunary by heading north for a couple of kilometres along the ridge before looking for a way down. However, for most walkers, the return to Sligachan by the route of ascent will be quite enough for one day. The hotel becomes visible as a white speck many long miles before it is finally reached.
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