Overlooking the Loch Quoich dam, Spidean Mialach lies at the eastern end of a long, narrow in places, east/west ridge shared with Gleouraich. Gleouraich is known for a superb stalkers' path, one of the country's best. Although not as impressive as t
he Gleouraich path, Spidean Mialach also has a stalkers' path that traverses Coire Mheil, south-west of the summit. This easily transports the hillwalker for over a mile to the Allt a' Mheil and a height of 500m, thus giving the easiest approach to the 996m/3,268ft summit.
These two stalkers' paths, a quarter of a mile apart, start from the roadside; the western one heading for Gleouraich; the eastern one to Spidean, so the two hills are commonly climbed on the same day, up one path and down the other. Both paths originally started from the now-submerged Glenquoich Lodge, with only the roadside rhododendron bushes giving a reminder of the former extent of the estate grounds. In both cases those bushes almost hide the start of the paths.
They were built for a purpose, of course. The name Spidean Mialach, peak of the deer, comes from mial, an obsolete meaning for any animal, but probably deer in this case. That ties in with the meaning of neighbouring Gleouraich and Gairich, the roaring or uproar from stags in rut. This is certainly deer country.
The 720m Fiar Bhealaich, almost one mile north-west of the summit of Spidean, marks the division between the two Munros. The east/west ridge continues from the summit, SSE then eastward. Thereafter it descends gently and broadens for a further two miles, crossing the 735m Glac Raineach, to Mam na Seilg and a stalkers' path that links Glen Garry with Glen Loyne. Comparing south with north, Spidean could hardly be more different. Above the Quoich road are steep grassy slopes, crag-free to the east, but with a small escarpment, Leac Doire Lochaidh, to the west. The slopes ease off above the escarpment and hold Loch Fearna, fed by streams draining from Coire Glas beneath the summit.
The north rim of the east/west ridge consists of a line of crags, below which is a rough complex of three scooped corries, renowned for their lovely winter cornices, and a careful traverse on a good snowy day ranks with the very best.
You will need Ordnance Survey map 33, Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel & Loch Hourn.
Drive some 15 miles west of Invergarry, passing the Tomdoun Hotel then the Loch Quoich dam, to reach a small parking area on the south side of the road, at map ref 029030, by the bridge over the Allt Coire Peitireach. Walk back along the road and take the stalkers' path north-east past the rhododendron bushes and under electricity pylons. The path, wet in places, makes light of the climb to the Allt a' Mheil. Cross the stream, seldom a problem, and continue ENE, at first on a worn path. With just a slight deviation east to the western shoulder of Coire Glas, reach steepening short grassy scree slopes that lead directly to the summit.
The small summit area has an unnamed 977m top to the west, providing potential for confusion on a misty day. Spidean's beautiful cone sits on the corner of two corries, and its well-built circular cairn offers good shelter and grand views down Loch Loyne.
On return, it can feel easier to descend as if going direct to lovely Loch Fearna (and of course, there is no reason for not going that far), then heading back north-west to rejoin the stalkers' path.
On a visit to Spidean some 20 years ago, it was one of those mostly overcast days when distant views would open up from time to time; views of extreme clarity, with the atmospheric dust having been washed away by the previous day's rain. Knoydart and even Skye showed up well. We romped along to Gleouraich, then a loping run down took us back to the car in an overall time of four hours five minutes.
The Mountain Lamb, Jimbo and I went there last month and were blessed with a wonderful day, with crisp clear views over Loch Quoich to the snow-capped peaks of Knoydart. The Mountain Lamb headed back down again, but Jimbo and I carried on, though this time at a leisurely pace.
FactfileMap Ordnance Survey map 33, Loch Alsh, Glen Shiel & Loch Hourn
Distance 5 miles
Height 800m
Terrain Good stalkers' path, then grassy scree slopes
Start point Small parking area on south side of road, by the bridge over the Allt Coire Peitireach, at map ref 029030
Time 4 to 5 hours
Nearest village Invergarry
Nearest refreshment spot Tomdoun Hotel
The full article contains 801 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
