Sgorr na Ciche (Pap of Glencoe)

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Glencoe
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Sgorr na Ciche (Pap of Glencoe)

Page Type:	Mountain/Rock
Lat/Lon:	56.68841°N / 5.06357°W
County:	Glencoe
Activities:	Hiking
Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Elevation:	2434 ft / 742 m
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Overview

Sgorr na Ciche (pronounced: skor na keecha) sits prominently above Glencoe village at the northern most end of the Glencoe range. This small, in terms of its larger neighbours, but challenging peak is more commonly reffered to as 'The Pap of Glencoe'. The translation of its Gaelic name into English is 'Peak of the Breast' and its easy to see from almost every angle why the Gaels named it so.

Sgorr na Ciche can be climbed either on its own or as an extension of the Aonach Eagach ridge.

Sitting at a height of 742 meters, Sgorr na Ciche can be easily summited in around 2 hours, but has a steep and unrelenting ascent for the majority of the climb. The start of the route can be found around 500 meters east of Glencoe Village, on the road that runs to the north of the River Coe. Ample parking spots are available on the forestry track, just off the main road. The route is well sign posted and will take you up the steep south eastern slopes to the bealach between Sgorr na Ciche and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh. From the bealach, head north east until the path leads you round the northern flanks of the hill, with some minor scrambling to achieve the summit. The views from the summit on a clear day are tremendous. To the south, Bidean nam Bian and Sgor na h-Ulaidh can be seen, Loch Leven to the east and the peaks of Beinn a'Bheithir and over to the Mamores and the Nevis Range in the north. A detailed route of ascent can be found here.

Getting There

Airports

For arriving in Scotland and making your way to Sgurr na Ciche in Glencoe, the best airports to arrive in are;

Glasgow Airport

Inverness Airport

Edinburgh Airport

Car

From Glasgow take the A82 road via Loch Lomond northbound direct to Glencoe.

From Inverness take the A82 southbound via Fort William direct to Glencoe.

From Edinburgh take the M9 to Stirling, then take the A84 Callander road, becoming the A85 until merging with the A82 northbound road at Crianlarich then on to Glencoe.

Rail, Bus or Ferry

Scotrail Trains

Citylink B uses

Caledonian MacBrayne F erries

Traveline Scotland - A one stop shop for all of the above

Red Tape

There is no red tape in Scotland due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which incorporated the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This code, which commenced on the 9th of February 2005, has established statutory rights of access to land and inland water for outdoor recreation.

The Land Reform(Scotland) Act 2003

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The following aspects should be taken into consideration when you are in the Scottish countryside;

Seek local advice in regard to deer stalking or grouse shooting activities

Ensure that all gates are closed behind you

During the lambing season (March to May) ensure that all dogs are kept on a lead

Please refrain from feeding or annoying any animals

Limited parking space is available at the start of many routes, please ensure that you are not blocking a road and/or entrance

Parking is provided at the start of some routes by the local farmers, it is polite to ask if you can use this facility

Try to refrain from crossing fields with animals and/or crops if an alternative route is available

Ensure that you treat the local environment with care by leaving it as you found it and by taking any litter home with you

Any camp fires should be carefully watched and only used away from dense forest areas

Accommodation

The best place to base yourself for climbing Sgorr na Ciche is in or around the Glencoe area. Below is a selection of available accommodation;

Hotels

Clachaig Inn

Kings House Hotel

The Glencoe Inn

Loch Leven Hotel

Lodges & B&B's

Invercoe Highland Holidays

Riverbeds Lodges

Strath Lodge Glencoe

Fern Villa

Beechwood Cottage B&B

Ghlasdruim B&B

Hostels & Campsites

Glencoe Youth Hostel

Glencoe Independant Hostel

Caolasnacon Caravan & Camping Park

Red Squirrel Campsite

Wild Camping

Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations in Glencoe. This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier. Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping;

The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. Keep groups small.

Camp as unobtrusively as possible.

Remember that noise travels from tents disturbing wildlife as well as humans.

Enjoy the freedom of wild camping without leaving a trace of your passage. Protect our country's outstanding scenery and wildlife as well as the wilderness experience.

Camping on the same spot harms vegetation. Aim to move frequently and do not stay for any longer than 3 nights in the same place.

Lighting fires poses a high fire risk on peaty soils and close to tinder dry grass. A high risk of fire can exist at any time of year, and not just in times of drought.

Watercourses and loch sides are important sites for birds and animals. Take extra care when camping near burns and lochs, and try to avoid camping immediately beside them.

Always find a spot at least 30 metres from fresh/running water when going to the toilet.

Bury excrement in a small hole (not under boulders). A trowel or ice axe can be used to lift a flap of turf.

Remove all litter (even other peoples!) Think ahead and only carry in what you are prepared to carry out.

Mountain/Weather Conditions

The weather conditions in Glencoe can alter rapidly and you should ensure you are fully prepared for all weather eventualities. The following websites will provide invaluable information on the expected conditions for your planned trip;

Mountain Weather Information Service - West Highlands

Mountain Forecast - Pap of Glencoe

Met Office Mountain Forecast - Southwest Highlands

Scottish Avalanche Information Service - Glencoe

As stated, the peaks in the Glencoe region sit close to the west coast of Scotland. This can have a strong affect on the conditions on the mountains and it is a regular occurrence for Glencoe to experience its very own weather system and for it to totally differ to the weather in the nearby towns and villages. More detail can be found on the reasons for this occurrence on Proterra's article: Mountain meteorology of Scotland.