The Saddle, Forcan Ridge and Sgùrr na Sgìne Walk

The Saddle, Forcan Ridge and Sgùrr na Sgìne Walk is a super-challenging adventure, making it an excellent route for experienced hillwalkers seeking some Munro summits as this journey has you climbing atop two! Do note that some minor scree sections may hurt your dog’s paws, so consider this before bringing them along on this adventure.

Setting out from the layby, cross the road and go east to reach a stalkers’ path winding to a col. Take a left at the col to travel along the right of Meallan Odhar’s summit. Eventually, the path will ascend steeply, heading towards a rocky area. You can choose to take on Forcan Ridge or skip it! If you want to avoid it, go left to follow along the slope, ensuring you stay right of the drystone dyke. This heads in the direction of Bealach Coire Mhalagain. But, if traversing Forcan Ridge, keep to the main path.

This is where the scrambling comes into play! As the ridge opens up to exposure, you’ll be forced to follow a well-used scrambling path to the right to keep away from the rocks. Next, get ready for a steep descent after walking by Sgùrr na Forcan!

Thankfully, you can avoid this by following the rake on your right or the gully to the left. Then, the ridge will guide you to the top of the Saddle, your first Munro of the day 3314ft. The trig point is just a little further on! After, you’ll dip to Bealach Coire Mhalagain, go briefly south of the trig point and take the visible path heading down. This is a steep descent! Eventually, you’ll reach boulder fields followed by a boggy section as the path runs east towards the bealach.

If you’re taking the alternate route to the Saddle as previously mentioned, take the descent route just described up to the Saddle’s summit! Next up? Sgùrr na Sgìne. Follow the path snaking up rocky terrain to arrive at the ridge. From here, go south to get to Sgùrr na Sgìne’s northwest top. Then, continue along the rocky section to the main peak of Sgùrr na Sgìne 3104ft. This is your second Munro of this adventure!

Go back to the northwest top and follow along the ridge towards Faochag, a minor summit. Then, you’ll descend down the northeast ridge. This section is steep but not impossible! Take care as you dip in elevation. At the bottom, cross Allt Mhalagain and then meander along the road towards your car at the layby.