Am Faochagach is the undistinguished Munro summit of the vast rolling moorlands north of Loch Glascarnoch. It's ascent gives a wet but very peaceful and fairly short day.
Summary
The first section of the route crosses extremely boggy moorland and is followed by a river crossing which will always mean wet feet and may be dangerous or impossible in wet periods.
Terrain
NH278742
Grid ref
13km/8 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Users'
rating
Regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Park in the small parking area just north of Torrandhu bridge on the A835, close by a Met Office weather station. Cross the road and fence to follow a faint, very boggy path across the moorland, keeping just to the left side of the flattest part of the glen. Just before reaching the Abhainn a'Ghrabainn, skirt some curiously hummocked ground to reach the river bank. The flow is too strong to give a safe crossing in wet weather, and even in better conditions you'll have to take your boots off to wade across the cold waters. Once on the far side, find the start of the faint path which ascents the hillside close to the Allt na h-Uidhe.
2. Follow the path, which keeps mostly to the east of the stream. Higher up there are good views across to Beinn Dearg and Cona' Mheall as the route bears right near the head of the stream and ascends more steeply, aiming for the bealach north of Sail Liath. Once at this bealach, head north along the gentle ridge, covered with coarse grasses and a few stones in places. The next section of the walk is pleasant enough in decent weather conditions.
Photo ©Nigel Brown, reproduced under Creative Commons Licence
3. Continue up the faint path up with wide ridge, which climbs up to a broad dome at 844 metres before a slight descent. From this dip the route climbs again, to reach a shoulder where another ridge joins in, coming up from Meall Gorm. There is now just a short 50 metre ascent to the summit of the mountain.
Photo ©Graham Ellis, reproduced under Creative Commons Licence
4. Am Faochagach's cairn is at 953 metres in the middle of a plateau which robs the views of any depth. The distant panoramas are fairly extensive, with Beinn Dearg the most impressive nearby peak. Unless intent on a mammoth cross-country trek, the usual route of return is to reverse the way used on the ascent.
Photo ©Nigel Brown, reproduced under Creative Commons Licence
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Route profile
