Western slopes of Sgor Gaoith. The peak is obscured by cloud.
Meaning - Windy Peak
Summit Location - NN90300, 98954
Height - 1118m
Munro Number - 36
Distance - 15.2km
Total Ascent - 886m
Estimated Time - 4hrs30
Difficulty - 2/5
OS Explorer Map - OL57
Climbed - 2006
Weather - Dry but overcast. Cold!
Sgor Gaoith is the westernmost peak of the Cairngorm range. Easiest access is via
the western slopes, a series of undulating heather-covered hills. The eastern side
of the mountain has a very different feel, with a series of crags and rock buttresses
that plunge the 600m or so down to Loch Eanaich. Enjoy the view but don’t get too
close!
On a good day, the view from the top should be stunning. You’ll get a front seat
view of five of the six highest mountains in the UK to the east. To the west you’ll
see the Monadhliath mountains.
This climb could be extended to take in the Munros of Monadh Mor and/or Mullach Clach
a Bhlair. Once you’re up on the plateau very little re-ascent is required to reach
either. I visited in December and given the very short winter days I decided to focus
my efforts on Sgor Gaoith and save the other two for a warmer day!
Route finding to Sgor Gaoith via this route is fairly straightforward, but those
planning to take in other peaks should take care with their navigation. The plateau
is a fairly wild and featureless place and the weather can change rapidly.
Route
1 - Start at the car park just north of Achlean. Once parked, follow the road south.
Just before reaching the farm you’ll see a path to your left signposted Carn Ban
Mor.
2 - Take this path and bare left after about 100m onto the vehicle track. This climbs
reasonably gently up through the plantation. At around 500m elevation the track comes
to an end. A footpath continues up the hill, first fording a stream.
3 - The footpath begins to climb more steeply as you gain the western spur of Carn
Ban Mor. On reaching the summit plateau head north, over the subsidiary peak of Carn
Ban Mor. Continue north.
4 - The route descends a little over half a kilometre. There’s then a small shallow
limb to the peak of Sgor Gaoith, a further kilometre away. The plateau narrows near
the summit, take care to avoid the steep ground to your right (and in winter, a possible
cornice).
5 - The summit is marked with a small cairn. Take some time to admire the view. Return
is by way of ascent.
