Am Faochagach

Summary

Am Faochagach is the undistinguished Munro summit of the vast rolling moorlands north of Loch Glascarnoch. Its ascent gives a wet but fairly short day, with superb views in good conditions.

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Grade

Bog Factor

2.91667/5

Rating

Terrain

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.

Deer Stalking information

Strathvaich Estate. Stalking between early July and 20th October. No stalking on Sundays.

Getting there

Start

Torrandhu bridge on the A835.

Public Transport

Regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness.

Start Grid Ref

NH278742

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 700m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Am Faochagach

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Walk Description

User reports (40)

Stage 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 the stile over the fence opposite to pick up and follow a very boggy path across the moorland, keeping just to the left side of the flattest part of the glen.

Stage 2

The Abhainn a'Ghrabainn is a substantial watercourse and can be a formidable obstacle - when in spate conditions it is quite impassable. Even with better weather you'll most likely have to wade across the cold waters. Once on the far side follow a faint path that skirts along the base of several moraines.

Stage 3

The path becomes clearer as it leads up to the east of the Allt na h-Uidhe; after a boggy start it even becomes drier for a time, passing a fine small waterfall. After reaching the upper level of the corrie the ground becomes wet once more. The path eventually diverges from the burn and ascends more steeply, aiming for the bealach north of Sàil Liath.

Stage 4

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 can be very pleasant in decent weather conditions; the track marked on OS maps proves to be just faint ATV tracks in the grass. Head up and over point 844m, revealing ever more stunning views across to Beinn Dearg and Cona' Mheall; the Fannichs and Fisherfields are also well seen whilst looking back south along the ridge Ben Wyvis closes the distant horizon.

Stage 5

After the broad dome at 844 metres there is a very 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. Am Faochagach has two cairns close together, with the higher one at 953 metres. The distant panoramas are very extensive although the flat summit robs them of much depth; Suilven is well seen as is Seana Bhràigh with its dramatic top Creag an Duine.

Stage 6

Dominating the view is Beinn Dearg - which is seen to greater effect by heading a short distance to the west to reveal the drama of Coire Ghrunnda. An Teallach is well seen over its shoulder.

Stage 7

Unless intent on a mammoth cross-country trek, the usual route of return is to reverse the way used on the ascent.

Route Profile

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