Sligachan to Loch Coruisk and Back
17 April 2009 - Glorious April Day with a wee bit of wind
Start: OS Explorer 411 GR486298; Sligachan Hotel
Set off: 1100
Return: 1805
Duration: 7hrs 5mins. Distance: 28km
Total Height Climbed: 901m
Note, Hill walking can be dangerous, ensure you are prepared and experienced, this is a major 15 mile 8 - 10 hour walk/expedition into a very remote area and should only be attempted by experienced walkers.
Woof, woof, what a major day out this was! The book said 8 - 10 hours, we did there and back in 7 hrs 5mins, never been so glad to see my little bed after a quick munch on some lorne sausage (thanks Eilidh and Linda, my best friends staying in the B&B at the mo)!
We set off from The Slig' just after 11am which was a fairly late start due to breakfast so we didn't know whether we'd get down to Coruisk. It's a lovely start across the old bridge and past the photographers taking the customary Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir photos - we were over taken by a couple on their mountain bikes here heading in the same direction as we were, now it's a rocky old path so they were brave.
We soon got into our stride and I managed numerous water/sniff stops then fell into step behind Steve. Within a km we overtook the couple on their bikes as they were discussing the merits of the on/off elements of the path due to rocks and small stream crossings. By the time we reached the Allt na Meassarroch which leads of up to Mam a Phobuill and Marsco, they were about 2km behind us! Let that be a warning to any would be mountain bikers thinking of doing Glen Sligachan! We pressed on using the clear and well used path around the bottom of Marsco, passed the Bloody Stone turn off and stopped for a rest at the highest point in the Glen. I managed a doggie treat biscuit and half of Steve's sandwich yum yum before enjoying the surroundings.
From here we carried on south then took the right fork in the path and headed down to the foot of the Druim Hain, the 1000ft climb we faced! The impressive west face of Bla Bheinn (the mountain not the B&B) is in view all the way and we took this photo before the start of the climb.
The first 500ft is short but not horrendously steep although the path is very worn and loose in sections so takes a wee bit of care. When you break the first rise the ridge levels off slightly and the path rises gently towards the carins at the ridge summit where you have a lovely view down to Loch a Choire Riabhaich and a bit of Loch Coruisk further on. It is 2km and a 1000ft (350m) drop to Coruisk but there is a fairly decent path and the gradient is okay so on we pressed.It is a wee bit awkward to pick up the path down, dont be tempted to go right, from the first big cairn there is another about 50m to the left, head for this then go past it and turn right to pick up the path below the rock outcrop. The path slopes down at a nice angle and you soon pass the upper loch and Coruisk comes into view more and more. Keep on this path which stays to the left of the steep rocks and you soon get close to Coruisk as shown left. A few slightly tricky slabs and a boggy path soon take you to the shore of Coruisk and we headed around to the little grassy knoll at the east side of the loch outlet for a large bite to eat and a rest some 3 hrs 15mins from the start.
We took the customary photos as shown above of Loch Coruisk and the outlet towards Loch Scavaig.
Just as we were about to leave a couple of the boats from Elgol arrived to spoil our peace and tranquility so we packed up and prepared for the route back - of which we knew every single step! 
We trudged back up along the same path with Steve counting off each 100ft and we were fairly soon back up at the carin on top of Druim Hain where we had a wee rest and contemplated the walk back to the car some 5.5 miles away! It was a gentle walk down to the steeper section where we stopped to take this photo which, if you click and look at the larger version, shows the path up Glen Sligachan and the 2 lochs forming Lochan Dubha which are some 3 miles from the Slig! We dropped down to the Glen and headed up to the Lochans where we stopped by a wee stone shelter to finish off most of the food, water and coffee and I have to say I'd have stayed here for the night if Steve hadn't reminded me of the Lorne Sausage waiting at home! So we set off again and I was soon "bathed" in the Meassarroch to get some of the mud off! It seemed longer back from here than the way out but we kept going and I did manage to chase a few people but declined to chase the chap who came jogging by with his Ipod and again when he came by us on his way back to the Slig! I thought he was crazy but Steve for some reason said he was envious. Not sure what that's about! Anyway, 7 hrs 5 mins after setting off we were back at the car in one piece just a wee bit worn out! What an outstanding day and an outstanding walk into the remote and gorgeous Loch Coruisk. Highly recommended but only to be undertaken by the fittest of walkers!