Get Lost Mountaineering

Marsco from Sligachan

Start/Finish

Sligachan. Plenty parking is usually available.

Distance/Time

15 km.      Approx 6 hours.

Peaks

Marsco, 736 m, NG 507 252.       OS sheet 32.

Introduction

This hill offers a good day when higher hills, especially the Black Cuillin, are in cloud. It is part of the Red Cuillin and so is composed of red granite. There are excellent views to the whole of the Black Cuillin ridge as well as to Blaven, Clach Glas, Belig and Garbh Bheinn. On a very clear day, Eigg and Rum are easily visible.

Route

(1) Cross the old bridge and take the obvious signposted path S for about 3 km to the Allt na Measarroch – easily recognised as it is the first burn and over 7 m wide. Do not cross the burn but take the faint path on its left (N) bank. This is faint and boggy in places and there is sometimes a better path about 10 m to the left by an old fence. Follow the path to the bealach between Ciche na Beinne (part of the Beinn Deargs range) and Marsco known as the Mam a’ Phobuill. The path is very distinct here. The path continues, following a line of old fence posts, across a rocky gully then up grassy slopes, to reach a shallow bealach where the posts go left but the route to the summit goes right. There is a faint path which becomes a narrow grassy arête in its final approach to the small summit cairn of Marsco, 736 m, which is set slightly off the crest of the ridge.

(2) Return to the shallow bealach and either retrace the outer route or descend SW down steep grassy slopes, containing outcrops and slabs to reach the main path in Glen Sligachan. The obvious gully lower down should be passed on its right. Once on the path turn right back to Sligachan.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 27^th July, 2000 and 18^th May, 2010.

(b) It is not recommended to ascend the ridge directly in front on the outward route as it contains very steep grassy slopes which would be lethal if wet.

(c) It might be possible to stay on the main path past the Allt na Measarroch and ascend the obvious green grassy gully just past the nose of Marsco.