Over The Hill

Surrounded by mountains of greater prominence, Marsco is by no means the poor relative. From its central position it offers some fantastic views of its nearby neighbours. And today, we were set to have a day of wonderful views.

We set off from Sligachan, crossing what must be one of the most photographed old bridges on Skye and onto the footpath which runs deep into Glen Slagachan, eventually forking, with one path leading through to Coruisk, while the other heads for Camasunary.

However, we would leave the track before the split and climb east and then south east to the bealach Mam a'Phobuill at the head of Coire Dubh Measarroch. Initially the track wends its way alongside the stream through thick heather banks, but as height is gained, it steepens and becomes more rocky as you gain the broad expanse of the bealach.

The recognised route then ascends the ridge to the south of Coire nan Laogh to gain the main ridge to the south of the summit. But, as usual, we decided to leave the bealach earlier and head directly for the ridge to the north of Coire nan Laogh, its rocky outcrops and steeper slopes offering a slightly more challenging route which would bring us out on the main ridge to the north of the summit. It was quite an energetic climb with sections requiring a little hand assisted haul up rocky outcrops. The reward was immediate on reaching the ridge, as suddenly, in the last few steps the whole of the Cullins were displayed in all their glory right in front of us. Quite magnificent.

We diverted a few metres further north to gain the 655m northern top before eventually heading south and making the final ascent over the broad ridge to the small summit cairn. A question arose in my mind as we approached the cairn, "Why such a small cairn?". The answer was immediate on reaching the cairn, anything bigger and it would fall off the sides, as what had been a broad ridge suddenly and very dramatically narrows to a very airy arete. This was not the place to stop for lunch, and so we made our way along the short arete before taking a well earned break, and to soak up some wonderful views, Marsco was certainly living up to its expectations as an exceptional viewpoint.

Prior to starting out for Marsco, we had positioned Lawrie's car at the car park for those visiting the Eas a'Bhradain waterfall, which would allow us to make this a linear walk, and so we departed the summit heading south east down the steep and very rocky ridge towards the 323m bealach at the head of Coire nam Bruadaran. And still the views came leaping out at us, this time of the Munro, Blabheinn and the connecting ridge to its neighbour, the Corbett, Garbh-bheinn.

From the bealach we ascended the scree and rocky slopes to the un-named 489m top which sits at the base of the north northwest ridge of the Garbh-bheinn. I wouldn't swear to it, but I am sure I heard a faint mumble from you know who that "We could always continue on up to the top (of Garbh-bhein)". This time it fell on deaf ears, we were not going to be fooled again. And so we continued, as planned to descend down the long grassy ridge of Druim Eadar Da Choire towards the waterfall and the throng of sightseers and their cameras in the car park far below.

Another wonderful day - Marsco is a hill with a fantastic character, and stunning views. Thanks all.