Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir make a fantastic short but steep day. Ben More Coigach rises like a great sea-wall and the airy and dramatic Garbh Choireachan ridge has sweeping views in all directions. This horseshoe route then ascends the pointed peak of the Fiddler, Sgurr an Fhidhleir. Prominent as a massive triangle of rock from Stac Pollaidh, its north face falls away vertically beneath the summit.
Summary
Faint moorland path, very steep ascent, narrow airy sandstone ridge with bypass path to avoid any trickier scrambling. Rough moorland descent with path on lower section. Good navigation needed in poor weather.
Terrain
NC061041
Grid ref
10.5km/6.5 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Parking area on north of minor road from Achiltibuie just before road
dips down to Culnacraig.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
No public transport to start. Nearest bus stop is Badenscallie (Bus
811 from Ullapool) 4km from start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is a parking area to the north of the minor road from Achiltibuie just before it dips down to Culnacraig. There is a turning area just before Culnacraig if you miss it. From the parking area walk down the road and then follow a path to the left just before the first house. Pass behind this house and over a small stream and along the rough path which climbs ahead. Approximately 0.3km along this path bear right to head east north east aiming for the point where the Allt nan Coisiche changes direction as it emerges from a ravine and before it goes into the box canyon (GR NC070037). At this point it can usually be easily crossed.
2. From here there is a faint path up the steep nose of heathery ground to the right of the burn. After a while the gradient eases as the heather-covered moorland is reached. From here the Garbh Coireachan looks quite intimidating; cross the moor to reach its foot. The initial broken crags are ascended slightly to the right and then the climb continues very steeply up the ridge. Higher up there are sections of path on sandstone terraces where other walkers have found easy ways between the rocky steps until the ridge becomes better defined. Some of the harder outcrops have a bypass path on the left (north west) side, whilst there are occasional dramatic views down to the sea on the right. The gradient then eases and a wonderful airy sandstone ridge leads on to the summit of Speicein nan Garbh-choireachan; again any rocky obstacles can be avoided using sections of path on the left side.
3. The views from this minor summit are fantastic. The length of Loch Broom to the peaks of An Teallach and the Fannichs are clearly visible as are the Summer Isles off Achiltibuie in the other direction. Continue along the spectacular ridge, keeping either to the crest or ocassionally a path on the left side. At a vertical descent a path descends steeply left before traversing back to the crest. After reaches the bealach it becomes much easier; continue up the widening slopes to reach a plateau, bearing left to head for the summit.
4. From the small shelter at the summit of Ben More Coigach, the sharp peak of Sgurr an Fhidhleir straight ahead can be seen. Reaching it involves heading southeast for a short distance and then taking a curving descent line around the wide bowl to reach the bealach at the rim of the cliffs which fall to Lochan Tuath. The great eastern face of Sgurr an Fhidhleir comes into view here, but the ascent route is straightforward enough up the grassy and stony slopes to the left.
5. The view from the summit is sensational, with the ground collapsing away vertically at at your feet, giving great depth to the superb view taking in Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Beinn an Eoin. From the summit there is a choice of onward routes. The one described here is the quickest and easiest descent, heading directly down the broad moorland ridge back to the start. It is however possible to continue to complete the full horseshoe by first heading west south west down the ridge in the direction of Culnacraig before bearing west to pick up a path climbing diagonally to the ridge of Beinn nan Caorach. From here continue along the ridge heading west south west to descend over rough ground almost directly to the parking area.
6. If following the easier, more direct return route from the summit, begin by simply following the easiest ground southwest. A path is reached by a cairn, soon marked by more cairns, and the route becomes clearer as you descend. There are great views out over the Summer Isles ahead. Eventually the houses at Culnacraig come into view and the path descends steeper ground that is eroded in places, aiming for the bridge just before the turning area. Cross the stream and soon emerge onto the road, turn right to cross the bridge and climb up the hill to the parking area at the start.
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