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My first attempt at a route directions post: We set off with Fionn Bheinn as the walk for the day following the Walkhighlands route & directions which were accurate. Started to consider the chance of adding Meall `a Chaorainn as the weather was very good for this December day. Sunny, frozen snow patches near the summit and around 20mph wind on top. The decision was taken on reaching the base of the summit shoulder on the return to add this hag moated graham. Visibility was good and a wavy way through the hags was worked out from on high.
A burn runs through east to west with sharp zig zags which could be seen to take one about half way accross.
After that we headed for the steep wall & a sort of mini corrie / scoop at the base. A steep climb then ensued which would not be all that good to descend. Part way up this a look back revealed two paralell shallow ridges that crossed the hags in the direction of Aonach Dubh, these did end at an edge of sorts in the hags but dropped from sight so I am not sure what follows. From the summit we walked SW to pick up the much gentler downward route that skirted the Assynt like hag area that many cross. On reaching Aonach Dubh via this easier on the knees route, headed east maintaining height for a while then picking up an ATV track with the inevitable soggy spots which were easily avoided. Approx 1.5k. ATV track ran into the unmarked hydro track, with a right turn taking us steeply down towards Achnasheen. There is a deer fence at the bottom with a locked gate. You met this near the start from the other side near the second `walkers this way` sign. Worry not, looking left is the rusty? tin roof of an old shed, cross the burn to the visible track, with free boot wash included, to regain the very early part of the outward route to Fionn Bheinn. We even made the Midge Bite Cafe for coffee & cake as revised opening hours were in place for this visit.
Soggy underfoot for the lower slopes but no sinking to the knees or further was experienced.
THE outward leg to Fionn Beinn is only diagramatic as it is better shown on that hills detailed report. Also the hydro track is a very zig zaggy route but is very obvious to follow on the ground even in poor light.
