Walk 1167 - Coire Lagan, Isle of Skye

      
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This is a walk of some quality taking you into the rugged heart of the Cuillins. The walk starts at the end of the road down Glen Brittle - a trip worth doing even if you haven't time to walk. The free car park (Grid ref. NG408206) overlooks with the idyllically situated camp alongside. Walk through the campsite to the toilet block. Take the path which heads uphill, ignoring the path heading south along the loch-side. Well maintained, this path climbs steadily and soon splits. Take the left fork and continue climbing.

As you gain height your objective becomes obvious - a rocky coire surrounded by tremendous mountains, including the highest peak of the Cuillin - Sgurr Alasdair. To your right the small islands of Soay and Rum can be seen whilst behind the hills on the other side of Glen Brittle look rather docile when compared with those ahead.

After passing close to the southern shores of Loch an Fhir-bhallaich you need to keep straight ahead ignoring the path veering off to the right and the rocky buttresses of Sgurr na Ciche. The going underfoot becomes rockier and the climb steeper as you reach the lip of Coire Lagan. Alongside Allt Coire Lagan tumbles seaward, it ferocity depending on recent rain. Reaching a steeper rocky section some mild scrambling is needed and it is worth making a mental note of your route to make you descent easier.

With each step the crags and screes of the Cuillin move nearer with your eyes working hard to absorb the colours, shapes and feel of the mountains. Suddenly you emerge into the Coire with its beautiful lochan. Defended by high crags the setting is grand and worth the effort expended during the climb. Hopefully the weather will be kind and you can relax in this natural amphitheatre. Of particular note is the Great Stone Shoot, which provides one of the "walkers" routes to the summit of Sgurr Alasdair. Sadly hidden from view, but not too far distant is the Inaccessible Pinnacle, which is the hardest Munro to conquer.

The are two options for the return. Either retrace your steps or more interestingly use the path that skirts the north-eastern shore of Loch an Fhir-bhallaich. This takes you to the waterfall on Allt Coire na Banachdich and allows you to explore the pretty "gorge" as the stream to the valley floor. Reaching the road it is easy to reach the car park by following the road.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 411
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 32

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"