Càrn Dearg & Sgòr Gaibhre on quiet paths

Càrn Dearg & Sgòr Gaibhre are usually approached from Corrour Station. The route here, however, is a bit more challenging and ideal if you want to experience some solitude. The two Munros are approached from the South rather than from the West, which means that you won’t meet many people (or none at all) on the walk. Plus, this route also takes in one Corbett: Meall na Meoig – the highest peak of Beinn Pharlagain. The walk to and from this Corbett is pathless, so careful navigation is necessary.

You start your walk in the small parking area at Loch Eigheach Gaur Reservoir between Loch Rannoch and Rannoch Station . Just opposite of the parking area, take the track leading uphill. A signpost marks the Rights of Way to Corrour Station. Follow this track for about 3km.

Ignore a path that forks left and continue on the main track. Shortly after, you cross a bridge and continue on the track on the other side of the burn, passing a hydroelectric power station.

The track bends left up the hills and soon forks again . The path to the left leads to Corrour Station; the one to the right leads further uphill and eventually along the burn again. Take the path to the right and follow it for about 400m. Then leave the path and continue up the hill through a pathless section of heather and grass.

After the initial slog uphill, the gradient eases, and you emerge on the ridge leading towards Càrn Dearg. There is an obvious path for most of the way, and apart from a few boggy sections, the going is over rocky terrain. Then, finally, you reach the first goal of the day: the park of Càrn Dearg . From here, you get a good view of Loch Ossian and the isolated Corrour Station to the North; and to the West expands the featureless noman’s land of Rannoch Moor with Blackwater Reservoir further behind.

Continue east on the path down into a bealach , and then uphill again to the second goal of the day: the peak of Sgòr Gaibhre . It is a fantastic viewpoint with great views of Loch Ericht and the Ben Alder range to the Northeast, Loch Rannoch, and the iconic peak of Schiehallion to the Southeast.

So far, the walk has been straightforward on mostly good paths. The walk from Sgòr Gaibhre to the Corbett Meall na Meoig (the main peak of Beinn Pharlagain) is pathless. Head south down the ridge aiming for Bealach Leathann . Continue up the shoulder and keep to the left to avoid the very boggy terrain lower down.

The gradient eases, and you reach a plateau. Cross the burn between the two lochans . The final ascent to Meall na Meoig is a bit craggy in places. Head around the eastern side of the peak to go up some less craggy slope. The final peak of the – Meall na Meoig is finally reached. Enjoy the extensive views one last time and descend the hill’s southern side.

To the left is the lower Garbh Mheall Mòr, which you contour by staying further to its right. Next, cross the boggy terrain and aim for the peak to the right, which you contour by staying left .

Continue on the ridge to its final rise. From there, it leads gently downhill at first. Keep to the right and aim for the glen while descending. The descent is rocky at first but becomes more awkward soon. The steepest section of the walk is the most challenging one because, at this point, you’re already exhausted and want to get back to the car quickly, but the tussocks and heather slow your progress.

Eventually, the terrain flattens out. Lower down, you come across a boggy track not marked on OS maps. This track leads along the burn back to the bridge . From there, it’s “only” the 3km walk back to the car park. Well done! 🙂