Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche up Sgurr na Ciche: route map, distance and time
1,040 m · Highland
Sgurr na Ciche is a 1040m Munro at the head of Loch Nevis, a sharp rocky peak in the remote country between Glen Dessarry and Knoydart.
A long track and path run up Glen Dessarry. You climb to the ridge and up the rocky gully of Feadan na Ciche to the summit.
Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche at a glance
| Distance | 11.9 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 979 m |
| Time up | 4h 0m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 6h 25m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Road end at Strathan (west end of Loch Arkaig) |
| Start grid reference | NM 978 913 |
| Summit grid reference | NM 902 966 |
Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 3h 15m | 5h 15m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 4h 0m | 6h 25m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 4h 55m | 7h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:23, sunset 16:47. Start by 09:22 to be down before dark, allowing 6h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:25, sunset 16:45. Start by 09:20 to be down before dark, allowing 6h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Sgurr na Ciche summit weather for this route
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Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 5°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 42 mph gusting 53 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:23, sunset 16:47.
-
Poor Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Mostly dry, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 0°C, summit wind 42 mph gusting 52 mph, 2% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:25, sunset 16:45.
Best day of the next seven for Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche: Monday 2 November, with summit gusts around 13 mph and a 2% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Sgurr na Ciche forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Sgurr na Ciche?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 53 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Sgurr na Ciche
Sgurr na Ciche is a 1040m Munro at the head of Loch Nevis, a sharp rocky peak in the remote country between Glen Dessarry and Knoydart. More about Sgurr na Ciche, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Munro, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Garbh Chioch Mhor (1,013 m), 0.9 km south-east
- Garbh Chioch Bheag (968 m), 1.8 km south-east
- Beinn an Aodainn (887 m), 2 km north
Challenges that include Sgurr na Ciche
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NM 978 913, the summit at NM 902 966), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche: questions and answers
How far is Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche?
Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche is 11.9 km one way to the summit of Sgurr na Ciche, with 979 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 23.8 km.
How long does Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche take?
About 4h 0m to the summit of Sgurr na Ciche and 6h 25m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 7h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche?
Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche starts from Road end at Strathan (west end of Loch Arkaig). The grid reference is NM 978 913.
Is Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first.
What time should I start Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche today?
By 09:22 at the latest. Sunset on Sgurr na Ciche today is 16:47, Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche takes about 6h 25m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).