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I had been looking for different approaches to these hills as the full round from Shenaval did not appeal.
After reading Black Panther’s report and a couple in the now defunct Scottish Hills site I liked the look of the slabs on Sgurr Ban and I could be in and out in the day, so decision made.
Set off from the layby on the Dundonnell road around 07:00 for a straightforward ride to Lochivraon Bothy, it was a perfect morning with a slight breeze and clear skies.
There were signs of bikes being used beyond this point but looked very awkward to me.
It is a mixed track to the ruin at Feinasheen, where the first real views of the target hills come into view.
The next target was the slab with the stream running down it just to the left of the pointy top of Meallan an Laoigh. The walk across was fairly rough but not too bad, I was happy it has been a fairly dry period. There were some pretty streams to be crossed on the way to the slab I was aiming for and some great views down Loch an Nid towards An Teallach.
Next the work of heading up the slab and crossing to the level areas behind Meallan an Laoigh. The slab was nice to walk up after the rough ground covered previously, the boulder field towards the top less so.
About 3 hours after leaving the bike I approached the summit cairn. The views around were stunning and it felt good to be in the heart of Fisherfield after researching and planning.
Not long spent here and headed towards the top of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair that can be seen poking above the plateau.
Image below looking towards An Teallach
Straightforward route down to the bealach and a quick rest and snack before heading up the steep climb on to Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair. I was feeling tired, in fact I was heading up the slabs on Sgurr Ban, the heat I think,so a few stops were had on the way up.
Great views again from here and the next target in view.
It is a bit awkward on the start down the bealach between here and Meall Garbh. Eventually this was reached and an appropriate arrangement of rocks were found to have a brew and lunch.
The bypass below Meall Garbh was used and the last pull up on to the top of Beinn Tarsuinn, this was now hard work but the reality was that there was not so much height to gain so it passed quicker than expected. The spot provided tremendous views all around and a feeling of being in a very special place.
Another 10 minutes were spent admiring the views but the reality of the distance back to the bike could not be ignored. Making my way down to Bealach Odhar I could discern a route that would take me to Beallach nan Croise.
Dropping to around 630 metres before swinging around under Meall Garbh and then heading towards the top of the main stream draining Coire Mhic Fhearchair, crossing this and down easy slopes to the bealach.
There was no breeze now and the midges were very interested in my company, this making the rough walking more of a challenge. The ground here again was fairly dry, which I was thankful for. ‘Normal’ conditions would make this a far less pleasant experience.
The bealach gained it was then good to have a track of sorts to follow toward Loch an Nid. The track came and went and after what seemed a long time I dropped off the track and heading across the Allt Coire Doireachan and up to the track back to the bothy.
This was very rough walking but eventually the track was made and what seemed to be an age before the chimneys of the house / bothy could be seen and eventually reached.
The cycle back was easy again and I got back to the car at just after 18:00 making an 11 hour day.
This was a good walk and no doubt the fitter could do this more quickly.
The view of, and the walk up the slabs were a highlight of the day and I would recommend this route to those not wanting to complete the full round in an outing.
The route below is an estimate of the route completed not a download from a gps device.
