Fionn Bheinn is the forgotten hill of the area with its wide grassy slopes and it would receive few ascents if it wasn't a Munro. It is, however, an excellent viewpoint.
Summary
Pathless but short and straightforward if boggy hillwalk.
Terrain
NH164586
Grid ref
7km/4.25 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Bus or train to Achnasheen
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park at the car park in the centre of Achnasheen, which has toilets. This area has been landscaped in recent years and is attractive with a small village pond. Head west up the lane back to the main A832 road, turning left and cross road. Almost immediately, by red telephone box, take old road over stone bridge, and turn right through kissing gate (footpath sign) and follow track to water treatment hut. Between the burn and hut, go through kissing gate (footpath sign) and follow burn, keeping to the left of the fence. Go through the gate that gives access to the hill, and continue to follow the stream of the Allt Achadh na Sine up the near bank.
Photo: Graeme Dewar
2. Ascend the grassy hillside beside the stream for almost two kilometres, where the slope eases. Leave the stream here to avoid heading into a flat boggy area, heading north-northeast towards the shoulder ahead, Creagan na Laogh, which gives a steeper climb. From the flat top of this hillock with its tiny cairn, continue northwards across a shallow descent to climb once more, right up to the ridge of Fionn Bheinn.
Photo: Graeme Dewar
3. Turn left along the ridge, which descends slightly before it begins the climb to the summit. The ridge is bounded on the north by the grassy crags of Toll Mor, the most dramatic feature of Fionn Bheinn and unsuspected in views from the road. The ridge curves slightly right to reach the summit trig point. Fionn Bheinn is 934 metres high, which makes it a Munro. There is a great view north to the Fannichs across Loch Fannich (the range to which Fionn Bheinn belongs, geologically), but the best prospect is that of the Torridon mountains from this unfamiliar angle. The quickest descent is to return the same way.
Photo: Graeme Dewar
4. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the hill is its mention in the prophecies of the Brahan Seer. Unlike many of his prophecies, this is one which has not yet come to pass, nor is it clear what it means. He said - 'The day will come when a raven, attired in plaid and bonnet, will drink his fill of human blood on Fionn Bheinn, three times a day, for three successive days'.
Photo: Graeme Dewar
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