The construction of the Mullardoch hydro dam in the 1950s flooded upper Glen Cannich, finishing what the Clearances started by making an unpopulated emptiness where people once lived. While elsewhere the energy industry continues to steadily appropriate what's left of the undeveloped Highlands, modern day Mullardoch and its now vintage dam does at least offer visitors a kind of wildness, and but for the reservoir tideline it could almost be natural. Dramatic, muscular hills line the loch. The four Munros on the north side make for a fantastic ridge striding day in a lonely and stunning place. This route description assumes use of the Mullardoch ferryboat, which operates from early spring to late summer (see Public Transport). If you're aiming instead to walk the shoreline of Loch Mullardoch, this adds 8.5km and about 250m of ascent on a relatively arduous path that most folk will probably be happier paying to avoid.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 13.30 miles (21.40 km)
Total ascent: 1,600m
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 hours (Walking)
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Summits
An Socach 1069 mAn Riabhachan 1129 m
Sgurr na Lapaich 1150 m
Carn nan Gobhar (Loch Mullardoch) 993 m
Additional Information
Start Private bothy on a bay about halfway along the north shore of Loch Mullardoch, NH141311; Finish Mullardoch dam, NH219316
Nearest town:
Beauly
Terrain:
Clear hill paths most of the way. A little boggy on the lower approach. Up high it's classic and very varied ridge walking terrain, largely quite easy going underfoot. Some sections of ridge are airy and narrow, and there are a few very brief hands-on moments.
Seasonal variations:
This route is likely to feel very big in winter, when the remoteness of the area will be keenly felt and two days may be needed. There is no boat service at this time of year. These big hills hold a lot of snow, and in winter conditions the sharper ridge crests will be spectacular, calling for some basic mountaineering competence.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
The Loch Mullardoch 'Ferry' isn't cheap, but you'll thank me for recommending it. The service should be booked in advance - call 07725334927 or check out Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Loch-Mullardoch-Ferry-Service-100042667760621/
Guidebooks:
Great Mountain Days in Scotland (Cicerone)
Maps:
OS Explorer 414 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 415 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 429 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 430 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 25 (1:50,000)
Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route
Tourist info:
Cluanie (01320 340 238)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH