A parting gift from the old year

[jmarkb]

Hogmanay in Ullapool and a decent weather forecast! The Ben Mor Coigach round is a favourite of ours, but our friends hadn't done it before (as if we needed an excuse - I think it tops my list of walks in Coigach/Assynt).
We drove round to Culnacraig and set off, heading for the Garbh Coireachan ridge. This gives some nice (but entirely optional) scrambling. Higher up, some overnight fresh snow made us more cautious, and we stuck to the path on the left hand side of the ridge. Beyond the first summit the path remained a bit icy, but we were soon beyond the narrow section and heading for the main summit. A chilly east wind meant we didn't stop long, but we found some better shelter behind one of the knolls on the main ridge line for a quick sandwich.

Then onwards round the ridge, with great views of the Coigach and Assynt hills, their juxtaposition ever changing as we traversed the remaining tops. The WH route suggests a direct return from Sgurr an Fhidhleir, but including the rest of the tops is well worthwhile, with both the walking and the views remaining top notch. What a great way to end 2015 on!

BMCoigach.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Moon over the Summer Isles


An Teallach


An Teallach to Torridon


Torridon to Trotternish


Loch Broom and the Fannichs


Isle Martin


Sgurr an Fhidhleir


Garbh Coireachan ridge


Stac Polly to Cul Mor


Getting icy!


Summit of Speicien


Loch Broom


Fannichs


Looking back at Speicein


A wider angle...


Fannichs and An Teallach


Fisherfield


Cul Beag and Cul Mor


Speicein again


Stac Polly and Suilven


Coigach/Assynt pano


Beinn nan Caorach north top (point 648m) - another fine viewpoint...


...and the view!


Cul Beag close-up


Sgurr an Fhidhleir


Stac Polly, Suilven, Quinag


Last photo of the year!

[martin.h]

I can see why this is one of your favourite rounds, fabulous photo's of fabulous views, it's a part of Scotland I feel is almost otherworldly.
Thanks very much for sharing.

[BobMcBob]

Some of those photos are jaw-dropping. I must get up there, that looks like a belter of a walk.

[katyhills]

Just glorious - what else can you say
Stunning views

Thanks for sharing that jmarkb

[Jaxter]

Wow incredible pictures

Here's hoping for some more decent weather

[jupe1407]

Magnificent photos of a stunning area. Just brilliant

[ancancha]

Some special vistas you got ther jmakb
Cool pix

[jmarkb]

Many thanks for all the kind comments, everyone!

It's a great walk in a fabulous location, and a suitable length for autumn or winter days when it's at its best - I can't recommend it highly enough....