Introduction
Ardgour and Moidart is rough, empty country. Taking the corran ferry across takes you abruptly into a land that remains comparatively undeveloped compared to the east side of Loch Linnhe. Many of the roads are still twisty single track with only the road to Strontian being a 'fast' road. Access can also be had to the northern hills from the road to Mallaig, with the area south of Glenfinnan being particularly attractive. The districts of Ardgour and Moidart are split by Loch Shiel which separates the two wilderness areas.

The peaks of Moidart seen the Glen Finnan summits

Meall a' Bhainne and Loch Shiel seen from Sgurr Thuilm

Sgurr Ghiubhsachain
This mountain is prominently seen on the southeastern shore of Loch Shiel when seen from the Glen Finnan monument. It rises out of the loch steeply to form a pyrimidal profile when seen from Glen Finnan. The walk in is 4km along a good landrover track to the Guesachan cottage. From here, strike up heather slopes south of the stream to gain the summit's northern ridge. From afar, this ridge appears steep. In the main, the ridge upto point 634m is easy, with one band of rocks demanding a little route finding in misty weather.

Beinn Odhar Mhor in Moidart seen from Loch Shiel

Looking north from Sgurr Ghiubhsachain to Glenfinnan

From point 634m, the main summit can be seen rising steeply after 1km of knobbly undulation. The route up looks very steep from a distance, but once you get closer to the slope, you realise that it's easier. The easiest route is to keep close to the shoulder where the northern crags meet the westhern slopes. The rise initially is up a mix of grass and rocks. Where a band of rocks appears to block the way higher up, trend right beneath them and then trend left once past the obstacle. Route finding is OK in good weather, with progress easy along the correct route. In misty weather it will be harder to find the correct route through the bands of rock.

Looking east down Cona Glen with Ben Nevis in the distance

Looking south with Sgurr Dhomhnuill in the distance

Once the slope gives way to gentler ground, the summit reveals itself 1/2km away to the south. From its summit, the hills of Moidart extend out to the west, while the Ardgour summits appear to the south. Cona Glen draws the eye east to Ben Nevis, and the Glen Finnan summits to the north show their gentler side.

Looking down Sgurr Ghiubsachain's southwest ridge

A variation can be made on the return route. A diagonal descent can be made east down to a saddle between Cona Glen and the Allt na Cruaiche draining northwards. The descent is steep off the summit on grass, but eases to moderate grassy slopes for the remaining distance. At the saddle, a path is picked up heading north. It appears purpose built, but is waterlogged for much of the way. Near the forest further down, custruction (early 2008) was noted with a new track being built up the glen. The track takes you to the road 2km east of Glen Finnan, where parking is available at a Forestry Commision site.

Garbh Bheinn
There are some well known peaks - most famously Garbh Bheinn at 885m. This has a huge eastern cliff face and is the roughest summit of them all. The rock is very gritty - pink in colour (probably granite). The pedestrian route upto this summit takes the south east ridge from the road ar the bottom of Coire an lubhair.

Creach Bheinn, south west of Garbh Bheinn

Western ridge of Garbh Bheinn

South eastern summit of Garbh Bheinn

Ascending to the bealach between the principal and the lower south east top is the easiest way from Coire an Lubhair. An ascent from the head of the glen at Lochan Coire an lubhair is quite steep but straightforward when you pick the correct route. Only the glen has a path, I've hardly seen any erosion on the ridges. You can complete the circuit of Coire an lubhair over Druim an lubhair. Good views over Loch Linnhe.

Beinn Resipol seen from Garbh Bheinn

Coire an lubhair seen from the main road

Garbh Bheinn seen from the south

Plenty of other peaks, Beinn Resipol, Sgurr Dhomhnuill among others.