Bealach Coire nan Cearc, Stob Coire nan Cearc, Streap and Streap Comhlaidh Loop

This difficult loop in the Glenfinnan hills packs a lot into roughly 18 km / 11.5 miles, with around 1,200 m / 3,940 ft of ascent. It is a serious mountain day rather than a straightforward hillwalk: the approach begins on estate tracks, but the main circuit quickly turns into rough, steep and often pathless terrain, with a long ridge traverse linking Bealach Coire nan Cearc, Stob Coire nan Cearc, Streap, and Streap Comhlaidh. Walkhighlands describes the route as giving “a more strenuous day than a glance at the map might suggest,” which is a fair warning for anyone planning it. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The usual start is the small parking area off the A830 just west of the bridge over the Dubh Lighe, near Glenfinnan, with the commonly used start point at grid reference NN929798. The nearest well-known landmark is Glenfinnan village, about 2.5 km / 1.6 miles away, and the nearest rail access is Glenfinnan station, Station Approach, Glenfinnan, Highland, PH37 4LS. If you are arriving by car, approach on the A830 between Fort William and Mallaig and look for parking just west of the Dubh Lighe bridge. If using public transport, Glenfinnan is served by ScotRail on the West Highland Line and by bus services running along the A830; from Glenfinnan station or village you should expect an additional walk to the trailhead. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The opening section is comparatively gentle. A track leads through forestry and then out into the open glen, where the mountain architecture of the day becomes obvious. After about 2 km / 1.25 miles, the route leaves the woods, and after roughly another 1 km / 0.6 miles the track crosses a bridge over the burn at NM947837. Beyond that point, the character changes abruptly: the route heads uphill on tussocky grass, then steepens into a sustained climb toward the broad upper ground below Coire an Tuim. This lower section can be wet underfoot, with bracken and rough grass complicating progress, so waterproof footwear and careful pacing matter from the outset. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The ridge to Stob Coire nan Cearc

From the upper coire, the ascent steepens again onto a grassy ridge that swings west to gain the main crest near Meall an Uillt Chaoil. This is where the day starts to feel properly alpine in character. The ridge ahead stretches northeast, with Stob Coire nan Cearc standing out as the next major objective. The traverse down toward Bealach Coire nan Cearc is rocky and a little intricate in places, with outcrops generally bypassed on the left, before the route rises sharply again to the summit of Stob Coire nan Cearc at 887 m / 2,910 ft. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Although there is no technical scrambling in normal conditions, this section demands confidence on steep, uneven ground. In mist, the broad upper slopes and broken ridge features can make line choice awkward, so careful navigation is essential. For planning and on-route mapping, HiiKER is the navigation tool to rely on. In poor visibility, the bealachs and subsidiary tops can feel deceptively similar, and the long ridge can take more time than expected. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Streap and Streap Comhlaidh

From Stob Coire nan Cearc, the route gives one of the finest views of the day: Streap’s true summit comes into full view, while Streap Comhlaidh often looks more dominant from certain angles. The descent to the next bealach is followed by the most memorable section of the circuit, a narrow grassy arête leading to Streap. The left side drops away steeply, and while the crest is usually negotiated on a clear path, it can feel exposed in wind or wet conditions. A rock step that appears awkward from a distance is generally passed by a steep path once you reach it. Streap itself rises to 909 m / 2,982 ft and is widely regarded as one of the finest Corbetts in Scotland. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The continuation over Streap Comhlaidh keeps the outing committing. After the main summit, the route trends