Region: Glen Carron – Monar Forest Fringe
Height: 999.3m (3,280 ft)
Sgùrr Choinnich, “mossy peak,” rises at the western end of a long ridge above Glen Uig and Loch Monar, a quartzite crest that links with Sgùrr a’ Chaorachain in a quiet, sculptural circuit. Though remote in feel, the approach from Craig in Glen Carron is surprisingly elegant, with estate tracks, gentle pacing, and a sense of sacred immersion. For campervan travellers, access begins at the Craig car park, with wild parking options and proximity to the A890.
Trailhead and Parking
- Primary Access Point: Craig Car Park (Glen Carron)
- Location: Off the A890, east of Lochcarron
- Grid Reference: NH008435 (trailhead)
- Summit Grid Reference: NH066447
- Capacity: Limited; suitable for discreet daytime campervan access
- Facilities: None at the trailhead
- Charges: Free
- Overnight: Possible with discretion in nearby laybys
Alternative Options
- Lochcarron Village: Fuel, shop, café, and informal parking
- Achnasheen: Campsite with basic facilities, 25-minute drive east
- Wild Parking: Laybys along A890 and Glen Carron (check signage)
Route Overview
- Standard Ascent: Circular route via Glen Uig and ridge to Sgùrr a’ Chaorachain
- Distance: ~22 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,530 metres
- Terrain: Estate tracks, grassy ridges, quartzite crests
- Time Estimate: 5.5 to 7 hours
Extensions:
- Often paired with Sgùrr a’ Chaorachain for a two-Munro circuit
- Can be linked with Maoile Lunndaidh for extended ridge pacing
Navigation Notes
- Route begins with a cycle or walk along the Glen Uig estate track
- Ridge is well-defined with occasional light scrambling
- Summit cairn sits above Glen Monar with views to Maoile Lunndaidh and the Torridon hills
- A map and compass are essential; a GPS is helpful for ridge transitions
- Weather can shift quickly; ceremonial pacing and full kit advised
Campervan Suitability
- Day Parking: Craig car park allows informal access
- Overnight Options:
- Lochcarron Village: Quiet overnighting with community courtesy
- Achnasheen Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
- Wild parking possible in designated laybys
- Facilities: None at trailhead, pack with foresight
Fuel and Supplies
- Lochcarron: Fuel station, small shop, cafés
- Achnasheen: Basic supplies and seasonal café
- Nearest Large Supermarket: Dingwall or Inverness
- Outdoor Gear: Available in Inverness or Ullapool
- Water Refill: Recommended before entering the Glen Carron corridor
Legacy Log
- Name Origin: “Sgùrr Choinnich” means “mossy peak”
- Summit Features: Quartzite cairn, sculptural ridge, panoramic solitude
- Known For: Ridge circuit, remote feel, and sacred pacing
- Popular With: Wilderness pilgrims, legacy stewards, and those seeking gentle immersion
Closing Notes
This is Munro Profile 139 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve pedalled through Glen Uig, paused at the mossy cairn, or found a rhythm in the quartzite silence, 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: