Sgor an Lochain Uaine

The west side of the Lairig Ghru in its southern half is dominated by Cairn Toul and its two satellites, Sgor an Lochain Uaine and The Devil's Point. This is probably the finest group of mountains in the Cairngorms, and unlike nearly all the others which tend to be plateau-topped, these three all have well-defined pointed summits. Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine share with Braeriach the grandeur of An Garbh Choire, and the narrow ridge of the Sgor which rises steeply from the little green loch to its summit is one of the finest features of the corrie. 4 kilometres to their south-east, The Devil's Point may be a much lower peak, but the continuous bastion of slabs round its south and east sides gives it the appearance of impregnability.

Any route to these mountains is very long, whether it is from the south via Glen Lui or the River Dee, from the north via Gleann Einich (with the help of a bicycle) or from the west over the Moine Mhor from Glen Feshie. Of these possibilities, the traditional route is from the south, starting at the foot of Glen Lui and following the right of way via Derry Lodge and Glen Luibeg to reach the southern entrance to the Lairig Ghru opposite Corrour Bothy. Cross the River Dee and climb up Coire Odhar to the col at its head, from where it is a short climb to The Devil's Point. Then go north-west up a long smooth slope and along the edge of Coire an t-Saighdeir to reach Cairn Toul. Descend west and go along the edge of the corrie of the green lochan to reach Sgor an Lochain Uaine.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)