These are the easiest Munros to reach from Glen Affric; Toll Creagach is a featureless pudding of a summit but Tom a' Choinich is a more shapely peak with fine views.
Summary
Two reasonably straightforward Munros. There are pathless sections and some steep ground.
Terrain
NH216242
Grid ref
17km/10.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Car park near Chisholme Bridge alongside Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin
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Glen Affric is served by a bus running three days a week in the summer. See Ross
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1. Park just east of Chisholme Bridge near the head of Loch Beinn a'Mheadhoin, where there is a car park. The walk begins up the track on the opposite side of the road, heading up the east side of the Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh. There are fine trees along the course of the stream and good views back over the Loch, which is actually a reservoir created as part of the 1960s hydroelectric developments.
2. After just over two kilometres another track joins in from the right; follow the main track which curves round to the left. There are grand views of Toll a' Creagach ahead, whilst the steep rocky slopes on the right side are those of Beinn Eun, a shoulder of Toll Creagach. The track becomes a boggy path as it continues up the glen to reach the Allt Toll Easa. Unless it is in spate, cross this stream and then take the path that turns off to the right uphill (if in spate is should be possible to ascend more roughly on the east side of the stream).
3. The path zigzags briefly before the gradient eases as the hanging-valley upper section of the stream is reached. Here there is a choice; it is possible to head west up Creag na h-Inghinn – steep but without any major difficulties – and continue up the ridge to Tom a'Choinich. The alternative and easier route is to instead follow the stream up towards the head of the glen and then climb northwards to the Bealach Toll Easa before turning west up the steep central ridge to the summit between two corries. Either way, the summit of Tom a'Choinich is a lofty 1112 metres and a superb viewpoint. A great ridge leads away to the west over many intervening peaks to the Carn Eige and Mam Sodhail range – though including Tom a'Choinich with the round of those peaks would be an epic day – whilst to the east is the more lumpy Toll Creagach.
Photo: Maddjock
4. Descend the central, eastern ridge steeply to the Bealach Toll Easa. The climb on the far side is much more gentle, with a flat section part way before the final slow rise to the summit cairn Toll Creagach. This is the least impressive summit on the great ridge between Loch Mullardoch and Glen Affric, the only distinguishing feature being the steep corrie to the north.
Photo: happyhiker
5. The easiest descent is to head directly southwards. Keep to the west of the swelling of Beinn Eun as the slopes below it are very steep, instead descending more easily to return to Gleann nam Fiadh and regain the outward path. Have one last look up the glen to Tom a'Choinich before turning left and continuing back to the start.
Photo: happyhiker
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