Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor

The Black Cuillin from Carbost

From Sligachan on the A87, take the A863 west towards Carbost. After a few miles, as you approach Loch Harport, turn off for Carbost. Just before entering the village, you'll reach a junction by a rough campsite - take the narrow road to the left signposted for 'Glen Brittle.'

This single-track road with passing places passes a large car park for the Fairy Pools and continues to the road-end by the entrance of Glenbrittle Campsite. If you're not staying at the campsite, roadside parking is available for around 25 vehicles by the entrance to the campsite, with additional space a few metres back up the road should this be full.

Heading into Coir' a' Ghrunnda and looking over to Rum

From the Glenbrittle campsite, walk through the site, past the toilets and wash facilities, and take a stile over a fence. Follow a path uphill to cross a track and continue eastwards aiming for the dark corries of the Black Cuillin.

After around 1km, the path comes to an obvious junction - turn right to drop down to cross a burn, then follow a well-constructed, if rather rough in places, path south-east for 1 km to cross the Allt Coire Lagan .

Shortly after crossing the burn, the path climbs a little and comes to a vague junction - take the left fork, keeping to a higher path which travels around the base of Sron na Ciche, then turns northwards to begin climbing into Coire Ghrunnda.

The path now quite rough, travels through a gap then rough ground and over bouldery terrain to reach the base of rock close to the tumbling waters of the Allt Coir' a' Ghrunnda. Keep tight to the rock-wall on your left and firm holds should be easily found to clamber up the rock ahead.

Coir' a' Ghrunnda

Coir' a' Ghrunnda

Route from Coir' a' Ghrunnda takes the bouldery ground slanting to the right

Cross the outflow from Loch Coir' a' Ghrunnda and follow the southern shore to its easternmost point, where a small inlet reveals a shimmering sandy bank beneath the water.

Ahead, a field of boulders and stones slopes upward beneath the dark rocks of Sgurr nan Eag's northern ridge. This is the easiest and most direct route to the Munro's summit.

Apart from some minor, straightforward scrambling, the ascent presents no real difficulties. Soon, the ridge crest is reached, and the ground levels out for a final, easy walk to the summit.

View south over Gars-bheinn from Sgurr nan Eag

View south over Gars-bheinn from Sgurr nan Eag

Returning along Sgurr nan Eag with view over Coir' a' Ghrunnda

Retrace your steps along Sgurr nan Eag's northwestern shoulder, then begin descending as the crest curves northward. At some point, you'll need to leave the ascent route and stick to the crest - turning too early can lead to trickier terrain.

Further along, the route eases, becoming less technical, while the imposing bulk of Caisteal a' Garbh Choire dominates the view ahead. This massive block of rock is easily bypassed on the right (east), leading to a narrow, windswept bealach with a distinctive hole in the rock.

Approaching Caisteal a' Garbh Choire with Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn and Sgurr Dubh Mor above

Approaching Caisteal a' Garbh Choire with Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn and Sgurr Dubh Mor above

Sgurr Dubh Mor from Sgurr an Da Bheinn

Since Sgurr Dubh Mor lies east of the main ridge, most walkers opt for a there-and-back route - making this a good opportunity to leave rucksacks on the summit of Sgurr an Da Bheinn. However, be wary of the local ravens - they've mastered the art of opening rucksacks to steal food !

At first glance, the crest towards Sgurr Dubh Mor appears technical, but an easier alternative avoids most difficulties. Begin by heading east towards the top of the crest, then look for a vague path on loose scree to your left (north). Follow this as it twists below minor dark buttresses, gaining the ground beneath the col between Sgurr nan Da Bheinn and Sgurr Dubh Mor. From here, ascend a slope of shattered stone and boulders to the col .

An intimidating rocky buttress stands on the Sgurr Dubh Mor side of the col - pass under this and cross to the southern side of the col.

Follow a ledge around and below the buttress, then cross some grass before scrambling up some fine scree to reach another ledge. Follow the ledge eastwards for a few paces and climb a slab (which can be tricky when wet) to gain yet another ledge. A second short slab is then ascended, followed by another ledge, a left turn and a squeeze between a gap in rocks to a clamber up onto Sgurr Dubh Mor's airy crest.

The final pull up Sgurr Dubh Mor

The final pull up Sgurr Dubh Mor

Sgurr an Da Bheinn from Sgurr Dubh Mor

From the summit of Sgurr Dubh Mor, carefully retrace your steps back to the col . You could return to Sgurr an Da Bheinn by descending the scree and passing beneath the dark buttresses. Alternatively, the more direct route up the ridge ahead looks more obvious from the col than that from the view earlier from Sgurr an Da Bheinn and does feel easier to ascend than descend, however is significantly more exposed than the path below the buttresses.

Once back on Sgurr nan Da Bheinn , you could descend back to the windy bealach via the same route used earlier, then drop directly to Loch Coir' a' Ghrunnda. A finer option would be to begin heading northwest along Sgurr nan Da Bheinn's crest, gradually losing height. There are no difficulties, but the route down may not be too obvious, requiring some trial and error with twists and turns, but once located, it provides an easy descent to the northern shore of Loch Coir' a' Ghrunnda.

Looking back up Sgurr an Da Bheinn's north-west crest - notice walkers bottom right !

Looking back up Sgurr an Da Bheinn's north-west crest - notice walkers bottom right !