Gleouraich

Gleouraich is a Munro in the north-west Highlands, standing north of Loch Quoich. Its slopes show two faces: the south is a smooth grassy rise while the north drops in dark, steep rock cut by ridges and corries. The mountain shares a high ridge with its neighbour Spidean Mialach, and the two are often climbed together. Stalker’s paths criss-cross the lower ground, guiding walkers toward the ridges. The contrast between the gentle south and the dramatic north makes the mountain striking from any angle. Its height reaches 1 035 m, yet the ascent is counted among the easier routes in the region. The route from the south uses a network of stalker’s paths to reach the connecting ridge. From there the walker can continue straight to the summit of Gleouraich or turn along the ridge toward Spidean Mialach. The paths avoid the steeper rock and keep the climb straightforward. The ridge itself is narrow in places, offering narrow ledges and sudden drops on either side. The rock is dark and compact, holding little vegetation except for patches of grass and heather. The air on the ridge is often cool and windy, even when the glen below feels calm. On the summit of Gleouraich the view stretches north to Knoydart and south across Loch Quoich. The surrounding ridges form a jagged horizon against the sky. The grassy south slope lies far below, its green swathes contrasting with the black rock faces. The ridge to Spidean Mialach disappears into the distance, showing the scale of the walk. On clear days the peaks of Glen Affric appear to the east, their tops catching the light. The summit itself is a small plateau, just large enough for a few walkers to stand together before the wind.