Slioch
Distinctive Munro mountain above Loch Maree
Appearing impenetrable from most viewpoints, majestic Slioch towers above Loch Maree, its summit defended by sandstone ramparts.Slioch
Height | 981m |
Prominence | 626m |
Meaning | the spear |
Lists | Munros, 171 |
Location | Letterewe, The Fannichs to Loch Maree |
Grid Ref | NH005691 |
Lat/Lon | 57.66542, -5.34696 |
Standing on a rock bed of Lewisian Gneiss above Loch Maree, Slioch is an impressive mountain with sandstone buttresses and cliffs guarding its summit from most directions.
For hillwalkers, Slioch's summit is relatively straightforward to bag, though only from the south-east approaching from Incheril by Kinlochewe.
From Incheril, a path wanders by Kinlochewe River downstream to the southern foot of the mountain by the shores of Loch Maree. There are various route options up Slioch thereafter - up through Coire na Sleagaich (Coire Tuill Bhain), over knobbly Sgurr Dubh or via the ridge of Sgurr an Tuill Bhain - all of which end approaching Slioch's summit from the east on delightful grass covered ground.
Slioch has two summits around 300m apart. On older maps, both summits have an equal height of 980m, but more recent measurements have given the northern summit a height of 981m. This northern summit is marked by an untidy cairn, whereas a trig point stands on the now minor southern summit.
Routes up Slioch
Slioch Horseshoe | |
From Kinlochewe, initially following the calm shores of Loch Maree, a relatively straightforward route up climbs up majestic Slioch via its less intimidating south-eastern face. Peaks : 1 Munro
Ascent : 1075m (3530ft) Distance : 19km (12m) Time : 6:30hr |