Walkhighlands

5th July 2008

Toll Creagach is pretty featureless but Tom a' Choinich was a very good walk with amazing views. If I were recommending a route, I would probably stick to the path following the Allt Toll Easa. Crossing this stream was not a problem in July. The path climbs up quite steeply at first then forks - straight on through the bealach (easier) or the more adventurous left path which leads directly up the south eastern ridge of Tom a' Choinich - this involves a bit of scrambling but is manageable. Descend following the path through the bealach between the two hills and the stream.

On the summit of Tom a'Choinich with Toll Creagach behind


View from Tom a'Choinich towards Carn Eige range with Beinn Fhionnlaidh on the right and Skye in the far background


The summit of Toll Creagach

Maddjock, I also prefer your circuit (clockwise) although I note that the walkhighlands route is anti-clockwise. The SE ridge of Tom a Choinich is definitely worth doing - although it looks a bit steep and rough on approach it is really only a walk if you choose your way carefully. (it is not listed in the Highland Scrambles North guide). However everyone should make their own judgement - my memory has faded with time! When I last did Tom a Choinich we continued West a bit for some reason (is there a subsidiary top?) and then dropped down to the valley by a steep gully in which I found a Leki pole (with no walker attached). Strange.

The first time I did this, I continued west also. It is possible to continue along this ridge to Carn Eige itself with not too much drop in height. In fact a round of Toll Creagach, Tom a 'Choinich, Carn Eige, Beinn Fhionnlaidh and Mam Sodhail can be done this way. It would make for a very long day though, think 12-15 hours. Or alternatively a 2 dayer with a high altitude wild camp. Plenty of places for this on this route, with a great spot just off the summit of Mam Sodhail next to the old ordnance survey shelter.
I found a walking pole myself on an outing back in June. Do find it strange that someone would forget it.

maddjock - was it a Leki? maybe we have a pair???

nah, it was a Black Diamond. second Black Diamond item I have found on the hills over the years. First was a head torch about 3 years ago. I never saw the need for a walking pole until I found this one, now I think it is a must, makes ascending and descending steep slopes so much easier and a lot kinder to the knees.