Saddle, Forcan Ridge and Sgurr na Sgine

[gman]

forcan ridge 26-6-2013 actual.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

After a few Glen Shee hills last week, decided to head to Kintail for something a bit more dramatic Left the car just after 9 then a short scary walk along the road. Path leads up to a col, Faochag (the descent route) in the background:


Nice path, no boggy bits on this walk


Turn left & continue up after the col, view back down:


From the col you get a first view of the ridge & it doesn't disappoint:


Bypass path round to the bealach with Sgurr na Sgine:


Alternatively...


First scrambly bit, loads of hand and foot holds so no probs on the ridge but it's exposed in places.


Glen Shiel, somthing like a 20% chance of cloud-free today but the BBC forecast for Shiel Bridge looked OK.


Ridge:


There's often a choice of following the path or going along the top of the ridge where all the crampon scratches are. And there are bypass paths for the dodgiest bits.


Back down:




Onwards:




Looking down from the top of the awkward descent:


Which is this close to the top:


From the photos I'd seen, it looked easiest to go down the right hand here, but I couldn't reach a foothold so had to move to the left and continue down. It was a bit harder than I thought it should have been, so I went up on the right (which was straightforward) and tried to come down the same way. The foothold still seemed too far, but there are other hidden footholds so it's a case of feeling for them with your feet. Easier going up when you can see the steps


Near the top:


Back:


Cairn & clag:


Trig point, path turns left here for Sgurr na Sgine.


Down to the bealach:


Sgritheall & Skye:


Varied terrain on the way to the next hill and steep ascent, few false summits before you see the cairn.


South Glen Shiel Ridge, fair amount of reascent to get here if you're adding these 2.


Return route along Faochag, sisters in the background:


Forcan Ridge from Sgurr na Sgine:


Sgurr na Sgine from Faochag:


Last look at the ridge:


South Glen Shiel hills:


Down to Shiel Bridge and the ascent route:


Fairly steep on the way down from Faochag, rough path is muddy further down. Dodgy stile to cross then over the river - there's a bridge but I went straight over the stepping stones. Kept clear of the highland coos with calves in the lower field then it's back to the scary road. Excellent walk

[soapy27]

Another cracking report there gman

[mrssanta]

Ooh that looks grand - hoping to be up there on the 8th so hope the weather is like that!

[Bod]

Lovely isn't it. A special set of hills. When I go back one day I would like to cover more ground on the Saddle side and perhaps walk from the Glen Shiel campsite

[PeteR]

A great report gman And some excellent photos too Looks like you had a pretty good day for these two. Seeing your photos has certainly got me to thinking a longish drive might be in order some weekend fairly soon

[gman]

Cheers, possibly the best Kintail hill