Triple Buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair

Compared to the majesty of Liathach, Beinn Eighe looks less impressive from the road - an enormous and uninviting scree-girt ridge. Hidden away from the traffic however is its finest feature - the magnificent Coire Mhic Fhearchair, one of the finest corries in Scotland. A popular and straightforward hillwalk reveals the classic view of the towering Triple Buttress reflected in the waters of a beautiful lochan.

Terrain

Excellent stalkers path all the way to the lochan with a rocky surface. Note that this walk is tough for Grade 2 and heads into wild and exposed terrain.

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Start

Car park just west of the bridge over the Allt a Choire Dhuibh Mhoir. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km/8.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 540m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NG958569

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a car park on the A896 just west of the bridge over the Allt a'Choire Dhuibh Mhoir. A signpost for Coire Mhic Nobuil indicates the start of the well-made stalkers path, heading up into the gap between the mighty mountains on the north side of the road. On the left is Liathach - a towering battleship, whilst to the right are the towering scree slopes running down from the ridges of Beinn Eighe. The path climbs well above the level of the stream and provides easy but fairly strenuous going, soon coming close below the eastern prow of Liathach - Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig, whose impregnable slopes are greatly foreshortened by their close proximity.

Stage 2

The climb eases off a little here and crosses the stream on large stepping stones. After a further kilometre some reedy lochans are passed before a path junction is reached at a large cairn. A left turn here leads behind Liathach; instead keep right on the larger path which climbs a little and then traverses across the foot of Sail Mhor, the westernmost of Beinn Eighe's peaks. There are fabulous views down the hidden valley on the left, enclosed by the impressive peaks and pinnacles of Liathach.

Stage 3

As the path contours round to the right, new views open out into the wild landscape to the north of Torridon. The little-known but spectacular peaks of Baosbheinn (the Wizard's Mountain), Beinn an Eoin and Beinn a Chearchaill stand sentinel over the flat and empty moors and bogs. Once round the north side of Sail Mhor the path - still well-made - begins to ascend a little once more, with stone steps leading up towards the corrie. On this final climb there are fine waterfalls over to the left on the stream cascading down from the corrie.

Stage 4

The ramparts of Sail Mhor may have been impressive, but nothing prepares for the sudden view of the Triple Buttress as Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair is finally reached. The three great, almost vertical towers of rock are seen across the water enclosing the back of a fine natural amphitheatre. They are composed of two clear layers of rock, with their lower halves of sandstone whilst the upper sections are brighter quartzite, and together they are one of the most celebrated climbing grounds in Scotland. The loch itself is large and beautiful, and a popular place for a picnic in fine weather.

Stage 5

It is possible to cross the outflow of the loch and continue round the shores. However unless you are an experienced mountain walker you should not continue beyond the loch. You may spot hillwalkers heading towards the scree-chute at the left side of the back of the corrie - well to the left of the Triple Buttress - this is the usual and somewhat daunting route between the corrie and the ridges of Beinn Eighe. Instead, you should return the way you came; the views ahead are even more enjoyable on the way back.

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