These rewarding Munros offer a good day's walking with extensive views and a pleasant ridge walk to the Top of Tomain Coinich and on to the two main summits.
Summary
The route follows a steep, soggy path with some rocky sections to reach an easy ridge to Tom Coinich and then climbs to both Munros. The route down off the ridge from A'Chailleach is very steep and pathless and could be difficult to navigate in poor visibility. The return route around Loch a Bhraoin is very boggy.
Terrain
NH163761
Grid ref
16km/10 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Layby on A832, south west of Braemore junction
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
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1. Park at the parking area just past the forestry plantations and gated, signed track off the A832 to the south west of Braemore junction. From the parking area walk back along the road for 20 metres until you reach the track leading to Loch a Bhraoin; it is signed for long distance routes to Kinlochewe and Loch Fannich. Go past the barrier and along the track crossing a small wooden bridge and another gate. Soon the track heads to the loch beside a ruined dwelling and boathouse. A new path passes to the left of this and avoids the boggy loch shore, heading straight for the rebuilt bridge.
2. Follow the stalker's path on the other side of the bank for a very short distance. As you reach the foot of the ridge heading up to Tomain Coinich turn right onto a faint and boggy path heading straight up the slope of Leitir Fhearna, the nose of the ridge. From here the slope higher up looks intimidating and rocky but it presents no difficulties apart from wet ground and there are paths through the rocky sections. Once past the rocky part the ridge flattens and there is a plateau riven with peat gullies. Avoid the worst of the peat by following the path round the right edge to reach the grassier ridge beyond. This gives a gentle and enjoyable climb, with good views of the corries in front of the Munros on either side. Do not be tempted to stay on the path traversing the right hand side of the ridge, this path eventually leads to the col between Tomain Coinich and A Chailleach passing a nasty rocky area; it is better to follow the crest of ridge straight to the summit of Tomain Coinich.
3. From the summit of Tomain Coinich there are fine views down to Loch Fannich and the surrounding hills. Follow the south easterly broad ridge down to the col crossing wide bare steps caused by glaciation in the last ice age. From the col it is a straightforward climb to Sgurr Breac. The true summit is not the first cairn on the little rise but is a couple of hundred metres further west atop of flat plateau, giving little impression of the cliffs to the north. This is the first Munro of the day, at 1000 metres.
4. Retrace your steps to Tomain Coinich and then descend the indistinct ridge to the bealach opposite before climbing steadily up the grassy and much more well defined and enjoyable ridge up the far side; there are great views down the cliffs on the right side down to Loch Toll an Lochain in the corrie floor. Keep following the ridge as it flattens off at the junction with Sron an Goibhre ridge (most easily identified by the old fence post stumps going off down the slope to the right). Here bear left, following the path to reach the summit of A Chailleach, the second Munro of the day. To find the descent route return north east to where the fence posts led off and start descending the ridge of Sron na Goibhre (no path). The descent is fairly steep to start with and then becomes gentle as it follows the spur. The ridge climbs slightly passing some huge rocky blocks. A couple of hundred metres beyond these is the best place to begin the very steep descent down the right flank of the ridge to the coire near the outflow of Loch Toll an Lochain. The slope is mostly steep grass and bog with some greasy boulders, but most be tackled to avoid the crags at the termination of the ridge to the north.
5. Once down in the corrie turn left alongside the stream, crossing it as soon as possible. Further on ground steepens and the stream cascades into a ravine with a series of waterfalls; this section can be avoided by keeping to the right. Beyond the waterfalls, continue heading downhill diagonally towards Loch a Bhraoin. Do not descend all the way to the Loch as it is very boggy, part way down between the Loch and the small crags and trees to the south there is a faint track in the grass, a little to the right of a circular sheepfold. Follow this track to a stile and gate, passing through to enter an area that has been fenced to prevent the entry of deer and encourage the growth of the oakwoods. Further on the far side of the enclosure is reached; the gate and stile are a little to the right of the line of the old path.. Once through this gate head directly for the bridge at the outflow of the Loch and cross this to return to the A832 by the outward route.
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