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3,323 ft · Western Highlands, Scotland

Garbh Chioch Mhòr

Garbh Chioch Mhòr is a 3,323 ft peak in the Western Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche: 14 mi, 3,710 ft of gain, Class 2.

Garbh Chioch Mhòr in the Western Highlands, Scotland

Garbh Chioch Mhòr at a glance

  • Elevation3,323 ft1,012 m
  • RouteGlen Dessarry via Feadan na CicheClass 2
  • Distance14 mi3,710 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Sep
  • RangeWestern HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche

From Fort William, take the A830 to Banavie, the B8004 to Gairlochy and the B8005 to the head of Loch Arkaig. Start from the Loch Arkaig road-end car park and follow the track and boggy path west through Glen Dessarry. Near the head of the glen, climb steep, rough slopes to the Feadan na Ciche gap, then follow a drystone dyke east along the rocky crest to the summit (Class 2). It is seldom climbed alone; the usual way is the ridge circuit with Sgurr na Ciche and Sgurr nan Coireachan. Check the Glen Dessary Estate stalking notices from mid-August. Navigation is hard in mist.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Boggy terrain
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Low visibility
  • Insects

Quests with Garbh Chioch Mhòr

Peaks near Garbh Chioch Mhòr

  1. Sgùrr na Cìche

    Sgùrr na Cìche

    3,412 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Sgùrr nan Coireachan

    Sgùrr nan Coireachan

    3,127 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Sgùrr Mòr

    Sgùrr Mòr

    3,291 ft · 3.7 mi away

  4. Luinne Bheinn

    Luinne Bheinn

    3,081 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Garbh Chioch Mhòr?

Garbh Chioch Mhòr is 3,323 feet (1,012 m) tall. It is in the Western Highlands, Scotland.

How does Garbh Chioch Mhòr rank among the Munros?

At 3,323 feet, Garbh Chioch Mhòr is the 116th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Garbh Chioch Mhòr?

The Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Garbh Chioch Mhòr?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche, covering 14 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Garbh Chioch Mhòr?

The Glen Dessarry via Feadan na Ciche needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 3,710 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Garbh Chioch Mhòr?

The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Garbh Chioch Mhòr with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list