Gars-BHEINN TO SGURR DUBH AN DA bHEINN
(©)StefanBramwell
As many others have said of the southern end of the Cuillin Ridge, were such a ridge found anywhere else, it would be among the most sought after mountain days in Scotland and beyond. It’s fate is to be almost entirely overshadowed by what lies beyond. But it remains one of the great mountain days to be had regardless of anything it might lack in comparison, and if you are willing to seek out the lines less travelled, offers something comparable in situation and optional, technical difficulty. Needless to say, we did a bit of both.
Taking the coastal path from Glenbrittle we passed beneath the summit of Gars-Bheinn, allowing it to be approached via the fine southeast arete. The approach is steep and unrelenting but ends abruptly and with great drama as the scene opens beyond, the arete soaring toward a distinctive conical summit above.
What follows has been described a thousand times though few have properly captured the essence of this remarkable place which is at once alpine and highland in nature, and yet remains unique, distinct from any range in either the Alps or Scotland.
It would be possible to reach all summits between Gars-Bheinn and Sgurr Dubh an Da Bheinn without recourse to anything more than Grade 1 scrambling, but for many, the lure of rough gabbro and wonderfully textured peridotite will prove too much to resist.
