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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 52: Sgurr Choinnich Mòr

Region: Loch Linnhe to Loch Treig
Height: 1,094m (3,589 ft)

Sgurr Choinnich Mòr, “great peak of the mossy place,” rises steeply above Glen Nevis, forming part of the dramatic Grey Corries ridge. Often climbed in tandem with Stob Coire Easain or as part of the full Grey Corries traverse, it offers sharp ridges, airy views, and a sense of mythic scale. For campervan travellers, access is via the Leanachan Forest or the Lower Falls car park in Glen Nevis, depending on route choice. This is a mountain of edge and elevation, where moss meets sky.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Leanachan Forest (North Face car park) or Lower Falls (Glen Nevis)
Location: Near Fort William, off the A82
Grid Reference: NN227729 (Leanachan) or NN145684 (Lower Falls)
Summit Grid Reference: NN191729

Capacity: Moderate; suitable for daytime campervan access
Facilities: Toilets (Lower Falls), picnic areas, forest trails
Charges: A small fee may apply at Glen Nevis during peak season
Overnight: Not permitted at the trailheads

Alternative Options

  • Fort William: Campsite with full facilities, 15-minute drive from either trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along Glen Nevis (check signage)
  • Spean Bridge: Additional informal parking and access to Grey Corries routes

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Grey Corries traverse or direct ascent via Coire na Ceannain
Distance: Approximately 16–20 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,200 metres
Terrain: Steep rocky ridges, grassy corries, exposed sections
Time Estimate: 6 to 9 hours, depending on route

Navigation Notes

  • Ridge is narrow and exposed; care is needed in wind or mist
  • The summit cairn is sharply defined; views extend to Ben Nevis and Aonach Beag
  • Often included in the full Grey Corries traverse (requires logistical planning)
  • Map and compass essential; GPS recommended for ridge transitions

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Lower Falls and Leanachan Forest allow daytime campervan access
  • Fort William offers overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Fort William Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • Spean Bridge: Informal overnighting with discretion

Fuel and Supplies

  • Fort William: Fuel station, supermarket, cafés
  • Nearest large supermarket: Fort William town centre
  • Outdoor gear: Available in Fort William and Spean Bridge

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Sgurr Choinnich Mòr” translates to “great peak of the mossy place”
  • Summit features: Sharp cairn, sweeping views, dramatic ridgelines
  • Known for: Grey Corries traverse, steep ascent, and mythic presence
  • Popular with: Ridge walkers, legacy stewards, and those seeking dramatic solitude

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 52 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve traced the Grey Corries, paused at the cairn, or found a rhythm in the moss and stone, your reflections are welcome. Each insight helps shape the archive and supports fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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