Sgor na h-Ulaidh

Sgor na h-Ulaidh is an outlier of the Glen Coe mountains which is hidden from viewpoints in the glen by its prominent projecting ridge Aonach Dubh a' Ghlinne and its higher neighbour, Bidean nam Bian. However, like the other Glen Coe peaks, it is steep and rocky with a fine north face cleft by steep gullies at the head of the Allt na Muidhe. On its remoter south side it drops steeply to the headwaters of the River Creran.

Two possible routes of ascent are from Glen Coe and Glen Etive. The Glen Coe route is the more popular, but it is steep in places and may be quite serious in winter. The less frequented Glen Etive route has the advantage that it is much easier.

The Glen Coe approach starts from the A82 road near Achnacon and goes up the glen past the farm at Gleann-leac-na-muidhe. 2 kilometres beyond the farm climb up the steep grassy slopes on the east side of the glen to reach the ridge just north of Stob an Fhuarain. Traverse this peak, drop down to the col to its south-west and finally climb the rocky slope at the top of the north-east ridge of Sgor na h-Ulaidh to the summit.

The Glen Etive approach starts from Invercharnan, following the route described for Beinn Fhionnlaidh. Once clear of the forest, bear north then north-west on a rising traverse across the west side of Meall a' Bhuiridh to reach the south-east ridge of Sgor na h-Ulaidh which is followed easily to the top.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)