Hill:
Moruisg (The bed walker) (928) & Sgurr
nan Ceannaichean
(Peak of the Merchants) (913)
Type:
Munro & Corbett
A
glorious weather day was forecast for this double header which will
be my biggest effort of the year. Not so much in terms of distance
but the height gain and descent in the short distance means lots of
effort and perspiration. Both are of a similar height and indeed the
Corbett was a Munro until declassified. It now stands at 2m short of
Munro status and be assured there are many easier Munros than this
Corbett.
The
sun was shining brightly over Moruisg, directly into our vision, so there are not too many snaps
of steep hillside and sun glare.
A
very cold wind blew down the road in Glen Carron as I geared up. Thankfully this passed and the day became very warm but still had to carry all the gear just in case.
The lower levels of this route has a reputation as a
bog trot and
well deserved. I can assure you that summer boots and no gaiters will be a mistake.
 |
| Final grassy section Torridon giants behind |
There
is a track of sorts all the way to the summit plateau. It is not difficult but be warned
this is an almost straight line direct unrelenting descent. The
gradient did ease but it was still steep and I I was mighty relieved
to get to the plateau and the the large false cairn.
 |
| The view from the false summit to the true top |
The
views are super from here but the main top can be seen along the wide
plateau but when reached there is another one which the map suggests
is the true top. We
had clear air so everything described by Walkhighlands was accurate,
what a viewpoint, mountains everywhere you look.
 |
| Corbett ahead |
 |
| Closer view |
Arguably
the best view is of the ridge that leads you to the Corbett. A
special undulating, winding ridge indeed.
 |
| The ridge from Moruisg |
 |
| Steep slopes from this angle |
Looking back the slopes of Moruisg are more dramatic from this angle and a better view of the ridge walk although the snap flattens it out somewhat.
 |
| Penultimate plateau |
 |
| Looking down from final climb |
But
to get there at first a descent is required which was fine. There is
then a stony ascent that seemed to take more out of my legs than
expected before slight relief before the final climb. Another stony
steep ascent was required and my legs were definitely feeling it.
 |
| View towards Torridon from the final climb |
A
narrow twisting path and the a cairn surprisingly appears to the left but like Moruisg
it is a falsie and the real one is further on perched at the edge of
a very big drop so don't lean too far over.
 |
| View back to Moruisg from Corbett summit |
Although you will want to get close enough to
take in the barren
empty upper reaches of Gleann Fhiodhaig which lie below. Plus just take in the number of snow topped peaks you can see there are many hills on view. All the local Wester Ross peaks plus more distant the Fannichs, Skye & Rum, not bad at all.
 |
| The odd ice age patterns |
To return retrace your steps back down to the shoulder, and then follow the ridge which
descends north from here. Walkhighlands
makes the descent sound straightforward ‘descent
is mostly grassy, with some steeper sections’. Yes
it is steep and grassy in places but has large sections of hard
going stony descent and when you think it is over you reach a ledge
and the bottom seems a long way down still. More stony terrain, don't hope to stay with the track.Further down the ridge is the rocky bluff of Creag a' Chait; this is avoided by keeping to the left side of the crags.
 |
| Looking back as we negotiate the boggy path beside the burn |
Once
the Alltan na Feola burn is crossed there is still a long walk back to the car.
Narrow boggy track finally becomes very boggy atv track back to the
car.A cracking ramble with fantastic views.
Ascent:
1049m
Distance:
12.9km
Time:
6.45
Wildlife:
Raven;
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