Top 5 Scottish Winter Walks: Glen Sligachan

Walking Directions

The path is easy to follow, just make sure you take the right turn after the initial bridge to head down the glen. After half a dozen fords and passing Marsco on the left, you’ll reach the twin pools of Lochan Dubha. This is the head of Glen Sligachan and the highest point of the route south, at barely 70m above sea level. The path is slightly higher at 85m, and from here heads downhill into the Srath na Crèitheach.

Up to this point the path has been following the River Sligachan, which flows north. For the last section it follows the Abhainn Camas Fhionnairigh, which flows south to Loch Scavaig.

The path divides again. Take the left fork to stay within the glen. At Loch an Athain, Blàbheinn is visible ahead. A monstrous tower of black rock reaching impossibly above you. Snow may well hang around the slopes in winter. Despite this, it’s easy to appreciate that these mountains used to be the insides of a giant volcanic magma chamber.

To return, simply retrace your steps back along the glen. Despite re-walking the same ground, the view is completely different. Instead of the view ahead being one of looming peaks and a narrowing valley, it is now more open. Opening out to the Sligachan Hotel along the widening glen.

16.3 Km