|
Sron na Lairig
|
Map
|
Photos
|
| An enjoyable ridge route comprising easy rock steps and short snow pitches leading to a narrow ridge, reminiscent of the Aonach Eagach. |
| Area: |
Central Highlands, Glencoe
|
|
Grade:
|
Winter II what does that mean? |
|
Total Distance:
|
11 km
|
|
Total Ascent:
|
875 m
|
|
Time:
|
6 hours
|
| Maps: |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 Sheet 41
Ordnance Survey Explorer 384
Harvey Superwalker Glen Coe Map (1:25,000).
|
| Avalanche hazard: |
Best avoided after heavy snowfall. The approach slopes and, in particular, the descent gully are avalanche prone. The exit slopes at the top of Sron na Lairig could also be dangerous. |
| Avalanche Forecast area: |
Glencoe more |
| Gear: |
A 50-metre rope, a small set of nuts and a couple of slings. |
|
|
|
Start Park in a large parking area on the south side of the A82 in Glencoe, just east of 'The Study' and the bridge over the River Coe. Grid Reference NN188563. |
|
Approach The Lairig Eilde path starts at the back of the parking area. Follow this excellent path for about 2.5 km before leaving it to head across the moor to the foot of Sron Na Lairig. |
|
Sron na Lairig At the start of the ridge, there is a large inverted v-shaped groove, which has a large slab on its right hand side. Avoid the groove and slab by heading up easier, broken ground to their right, where there is optional scrambling over small rock steps. When a large rock outcrop blocks the way, head for a rightward slanting groove to the extreme right of the outcrop. Climb the groove which, assuming it has snow in it, gives a nice, easy pitch. Immediately regain the crest of the ridge and continue a short distance before reaching another steep outcrop. This time, head slightly left and ascend a shallow gully. Regain the crest, which is followed more easily from hereon. There are a number of narrow sections and on one particular section, close to the end, it may be best to straddle the ridge with one leg either side! Continue up the exit slopes to join the main ridge leading to Stob Coire Sgreamhach. |
|
Stob Coire Sgreamhach (1072 m) To climb the munro, follow the ridge right,initially ENE veering to N at the summit. Watch out for a number of in-cut gullies and large cornices that may be present. |
|
Descent From the summit of Stob Coire Sgreamhach, retrace your steps to the top of Sron na Lairig and continue past it to reach a col about 500 metres beyond (NN164528). Head left (NE) and descend into a gully, sticking to the left (west) bank when the gully becomes too steep to follow directly. |
|
Return Continue north-east along the Lairig Eilde, rejoin the path and return to the start. |
|
Alternative Descent In good visibility and snow conditions, it is possible to descend from Stob Coire Sgreamhach via the Beinn Fhada ridge. There is a difficult step just before the first col (bear right) and you should descend into Lairig Eilde before reaching the steep nose of the ridge. |
|
|
