The moorland walk to the peak of Sgurr an Fhidhleir disguises the drama of the peak's far side. Approached up the fairly gentle south western flanks, from the summit there is an amazing contrast as the ground plunges away almost 500 metres vertically with amazing views down to the loch and of the surrounding Assynt peaks.
Summary
Straightforward hillwalk across moorland terrain; navigation could be difficult in misty conditions and there are vertical drops in the vicinity of the summit.
Terrain
NC061041
Grid ref
8km/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 finally dips down to Culnacraig. There is a turning area just before Culnacraig if you miss it. From the parking area follow the road to the turning area and across the bridge over the burn. Immediately turn left to head along a rough path which soon crosses a smaller stream and then heads east north east up the broad ridge. Soon there is a fairly steep climb where the path has eroded in places and can be boggy in wet weather.
2. The steady climb up the wide ridge is straightforward and there is a narrow path which is marked by cairns higher up. Early on, keep left at a indistinct fork which is easily missed, taking the upper path which climbs deeper onto the moorland. Behind the views over the Summer Isles and the mountains on the far side of Loch Broom including An Teallach get better all the time. To the right the ridge of Ben More Coigach looks impressive and you can often make out people walking along the airy ridge.
3. After just over 1km of climbing, the gradient eases and the peak of Sgurr an Fhidhleir can be seen clearly ahead. To the left the other side of the horseshoe route is Beinn nan Caorach. The path fades out to nothing after a final cairn; continue ascending, keeping to the highest ground in the middle of the ridge.
4. Eventually the ground steepens for the final climb to the summit. Although the ground becomes rockier the going is still good and after a final rocky step the small summit cairn soon comes into view. It is from the other side of the cairn that you really appreciate the setting and steepness of the Fiddler's north east side. The cliffs drop away almost vertically vertically at at your feet, giving great depth to the superb view taking in Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Beinn an Eoin.
5. The return is by the same outward route. 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 sea 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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