233-239. South Glen Shiel Ridge (Creag a'Mhaim (218), Druim Shionnach (160), Aonach air Chrith (109), Maol Chinn-dhearg (168), Sgurr an Doire Leathain (122), Sgurr an Lochain (131), Creag nan Damh (275)). 01/05/2022

There are a few groups of Munros that are well known and well remembered. Several of those are around Glen Shiel. The long chain of tops (generously containing 7 Munros) on the south side of the glen is one such group - it requires a small amount of logistical organisation, but the reward is about 18km of continuous ridge walking above the 700m mark.

We parked in the "battle layby" before 9am, hoping to catch the mysterious bus that supposedly picks up walkers if the driver is feeling in a good mood that morning. We can't report as to whether this bus exists, because we hailed the second car we saw after parking and it turned out to be people intending to walk the same route. They had two cars and were staying in a cottage next to the Cluanie Inn.

We started with a 6km march along the military road round the back of Creag a'Mhaim, before a stiff climb straight to the top. Knowing there was still a long day ahead, I definitely felt this climb. But once at the top, with the cloud lifting on the ridge ahead of us we began to enjoy it a lot more. The walk to Druim Shionnach hardly justified the status of a separate Munro, so we were there in very little time, but it took a little longer (over a minor top) to get to Aonach air Chrith, the highpoint of the day.

With no wind at all, we spent a bit of time on each top, enjoying the trailmix and the views. Maol Chinn-dhearg, Sgurr an Doire Leathain and Sgurr an Lochain passed in fairly quick succession and even included a little easy scrambling, before a longer gap to the last Munro - Creag nan Damh. After that, the descent was generally easy, apart from a point where the path seemed to descend over a precipice (we opted for a grassy gully to the right) and then the last few minutes through a tree plantation (which involved some clambering over and along fallen trees on a steep slope to find a way out - we should probably have skirted the eastern edge of the plantation altogether!). Overall it was a great day out though. 26.2km, 8h45, 1850m ascent.

Looking back from Druim Shionnach

Chris at the top of Maol Chinn-dhearg

Looking east from Sgurr an Doire Leathain

The route of ascent up Sgurr an Lochain