Fuar Tholl is an impressive Corbett, only just missing out on Munro status. This approach has good views of the huge Mainnrichean Buttress and from the summit there are extensive views in all directions.
Summary
Track and stalkers path for approach. Short steep section on stones with no difficulties. Crossing the River Lair can be difficult after heavy rain.
Terrain
NH004483
Grid ref
14.5km/9 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Train or bus to Achnashellach
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. If arriving by car, park at the layby on the A890 opposite the telephone box and the private road to Achnashellach station. From here walk up the road to the station, turning right after the outbuildings. Cross the railway line with care and proceed up the track a short way until you reach a crossroads. Here turn left slightly back on yourself and continue on a forestry track, passing through a gate and into thinning trees. Ahead there is a good view of the prow of Fuar Tholl, which is also known as The Nose. After a short distance take a path to the left marked with a very small cairn. If you miss the path and continue on the track into thicker trees turn back as the way ahead is blocked by a fence higher up.
2. The path heads towards the River Lair, passing through a gate with an ingenious dog stile, and through a mixture of gorse, broom, birch and single pine trees. The path begins to climb revealing fine views and passing the Achnashellach Estate deer stalking information sign. The stalking season here is 15 September to 20 October during which walkers should keep to the paths or phone the estate for further information. Follow the stony path as it winds uphill, ignoring a smaller path to the left. The ground becomes much barer as the path climbs above the last of the pines. After the gradient eases off, a path junction marked with a cairn is reached. There is a good view Sgorr Ruadh and its majestic sandstone cliffs on the left side of the valley ahead, and further left the even mightier cliffs of Fuar Tholl are seen in full stature, whilst the long scree-flanked ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor guards the right side of the valley.
3. Take the left fork. The path heads down to the River Lair which must be crossed; there is no bridge, and the crossing may not be possible if the river is in spate. If it is necessary to wade - there is a good place a little upstream where the river is split by an island and the water is slower and shallower. Beyond, the path climbs gently at first, passing just left of a minor knoll, before steepening as it ascends towards the bealach between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh.
4. Although it is possible to break off to the left and head up grass and then scree to the left of the Mainreachan Buttress this route describes the easier but longer ascent over Creag Mainnrichean. Pass a lochan just to the right of the path and then up a final rise before the path starts to peter out and there is a small cairn marking the point where walkers leave in either direction for Fuar Tholl to the south (left) and Sgorr Ruadh to the north (right). Head left in a south-east direction over bumpy ground between lochans to reach the stony slope of Creag Mainnrichean. There are a couple of paths over the short sections of scree and then a short steep climb before the gradient eases, there is a small cairn at the this point to indicate where the route heads east south east for a short while until the route to the first top can clearly be made out.
5. From here continue to the top of the Mainreachan Buttress at 895 metres. This summit can be bypassed but it is a good viewpoint marked with a small cairn. Descend to the col and then the final straightforward climb to the summit shelter and remains of the trig point at 907 metres.
6. Although it is possible to descend to Balnacra from here, it is not an easy route to navigate and leaves you some distance from the start. Therefore the route recommended here is to retrace your steps along the ridge, enjoying great views of the Buttress and down into Coire Lair, and then back to the stalkers path to descend to Achnashellach. In the summer months teas are often available at the house just north of the railway crossing.
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Route profile
