walkhighlands

This forum is for general discussion about walking and scrambling... If writing a report or sharing your experiences from a route, please use the other boards.

Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query


Postby Dunblane Bagger » Wed Sep 12, 2018 11:50 am

Hi,

Looking to do the Fiacaill ridge this weekend and wanted some advice as my research so far has just confused me more.

Some say it is a fairly easy grade 1 with the crux chimney the only tricky bit. Others say you need ropes.

Anyone done the ridge and can offer some advice?

For information i have climbed the Aonach Eagach, Forcan ridge, Sgurr nan Gillean, an basteir to name a few.

Thanks in advance folks.
User avatar
Dunblane Bagger
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 105
Munros:145   Corbetts:33
Fionas:3   Donalds:5
Sub 2000:8   Hewitts:22
Wainwrights:6   
Joined: Mar 13, 2015
Location: Hopefully up a mountain somewhere

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby LeithySuburbs » Wed Sep 12, 2018 11:54 am

Dunblane Bagger wrote:Others say you need ropes.


You really don't.

Fun but fairly short scramble and easier than those you have mentioned.
User avatar
LeithySuburbs
Ambler
 
Posts: 1965
Munros:259   Corbetts:56
Fionas:29   Donalds:33
Sub 2000:41   Hewitts:14
Wainwrights:23   Islands:13
Joined: Feb 19, 2009
Location: Inverness

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby Dunblane Bagger » Wed Sep 12, 2018 12:02 pm

Thanks Leithy.

Did you stay right on the crest of the ridge or use the paths?
User avatar
Dunblane Bagger
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 105
Munros:145   Corbetts:33
Fionas:3   Donalds:5
Sub 2000:8   Hewitts:22
Wainwrights:6   
Joined: Mar 13, 2015
Location: Hopefully up a mountain somewhere

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby LeithySuburbs » Wed Sep 12, 2018 12:24 pm

It's certainly more enjoyable to stick to the crest. There is an exposed slab at one point, but it is mostly pretty easy.
User avatar
LeithySuburbs
Ambler
 
Posts: 1965
Munros:259   Corbetts:56
Fionas:29   Donalds:33
Sub 2000:41   Hewitts:14
Wainwrights:23   Islands:13
Joined: Feb 19, 2009
Location: Inverness

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby malky_c » Wed Sep 12, 2018 12:47 pm

What Leithy said. The hardest moves are on the steep section of the crest, but they are much easier than they look at first. I've included it in quite a few of my reports, but the ones with the most pictures of the ridge in are probably these:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=53993
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=66526
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=83269

You can easily avoid the crest by going around to the left, but you'd miss most of the fun - it's just a loose walk up scree there.
User avatar
malky_c
 
Posts: 6342
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:219   Donalds:80+37
Sub 2000:315   Hewitts:281
Wainwrights:140   Islands:39
Joined: Nov 22, 2009
Location: Glasgow/Inverness

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby jmarkb » Wed Sep 12, 2018 1:20 pm

Dunblane Bagger wrote:Some say it is a fairly easy grade 1 with the crux chimney the only tricky bit. Others say you need ropes.


The short crux section is probably worth Grade 2, but it's on grippy rock with decent holds. You might want a rope in winter, but not in summer, given your experience!

malky_c wrote:You can easily avoid the crest by going around to the left, but you'd miss most of the fun - it's just a loose walk up scree there.


I think you mean right (in ascent)?
User avatar
jmarkb
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 5857
Munros:246   Corbetts:105
Fionas:91   Donalds:32
Sub 2000:46   
Joined: Oct 28, 2011
Location: Edinburgh

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby malky_c » Wed Sep 12, 2018 1:38 pm

jmarkb wrote:
Dunblane Bagger wrote:Some say it is a fairly easy grade 1 with the crux chimney the only tricky bit. Others say you need ropes.


The short crux section is probably worth Grade 2, but it's on grippy rock with decent holds. You might want a rope in winter, but not in summer, given your experience!

malky_c wrote:You can easily avoid the crest by going around to the left, but you'd miss most of the fun - it's just a loose walk up scree there.


I think you mean right (in ascent)?

Yep, the other left - sorry :oops: :lol:
User avatar
malky_c
 
Posts: 6342
Munros:282   Corbetts:222
Fionas:219   Donalds:80+37
Sub 2000:315   Hewitts:281
Wainwrights:140   Islands:39
Joined: Nov 22, 2009
Location: Glasgow/Inverness

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby Robinho08 » Wed Sep 12, 2018 1:40 pm

Faicaill Ridge is a walk in the park in comparison to what you've already done. An enjoyable easy scramble with the crux having lots of holds. It's pretty short-lived.

I made a wee film if you're interested:

Robinho08
Walker
 
Posts: 321
Munros:54   Corbetts:70
Fionas:9   Donalds:11
Sub 2000:12   Hewitts:1
Joined: Jan 7, 2009

Re: Fiscally Ridge - Cairngorms Query

Postby Dunblane Bagger » Wed Sep 12, 2018 7:05 pm

Thanks for all your replies..

I did think it was an easy scramble but after reading a few reports (on other sites) I thought I'd just check.

cheers everyone. Happy climbing.. :clap:
User avatar
Dunblane Bagger
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 105
Munros:145   Corbetts:33
Fionas:3   Donalds:5
Sub 2000:8   Hewitts:22
Wainwrights:6   
Joined: Mar 13, 2015
Location: Hopefully up a mountain somewhere




Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to General discussion

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: jmarkb, Paul Webster, rohan and 20 guests