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A parting gift from the old year

A parting gift from the old year


Postby jmarkb » Fri Feb 19, 2016 6:22 pm

Fionas included on this walk: Ben Mór Coigach, Sgùrr an Fhidhleir

Date walked: 31/12/2015

Time taken: 6.5 hours

Distance: 13 km

Ascent: 1050m

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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
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An Teallach
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An Teallach to Torridon
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Torridon to Trotternish
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Loch Broom and the Fannichs
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Isle Martin
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Sgurr an Fhidhleir
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Garbh Coireachan ridge
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Stac Polly to Cul Mor
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Getting icy!
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Summit of Speicien
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Loch Broom
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Fannichs
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Looking back at Speicein
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A wider angle...
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Fannichs and An Teallach
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Fisherfield
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Cul Beag and Cul Mor
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Speicein again
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Stac Polly and Suilven
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Coigach/Assynt pano
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Beinn nan Caorach north top (point 648m) - another fine viewpoint...
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...and the view!
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Cul Beag close-up
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Sgurr an Fhidhleir
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Stac Polly, Suilven, Quinag
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Last photo of the year!
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jmarkb
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby martin.h » Fri Feb 19, 2016 7:20 pm

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.
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martin.h
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby BobMcBob » Sat Feb 20, 2016 5:12 pm

Some of those photos are jaw-dropping. I must get up there, that looks like a belter of a walk. :clap:
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby katyhills » Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:55 pm

Just glorious - what else can you say :)
Stunning views

Thanks for sharing that jmarkb :D
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby Jaxter » Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:15 pm

Wow incredible pictures :clap: :shock:

Here's hoping for some more decent weather :lol:
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby jupe1407 » Sat Feb 20, 2016 9:52 pm

Magnificent photos of a stunning area. Just brilliant :clap:
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby ancancha » Sat Feb 20, 2016 10:25 pm

Some special vistas you got ther jmakb :clap:
Cool pix 8)
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ancancha
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Re: A parting gift from the old year

Postby jmarkb » Sun Feb 21, 2016 1:12 pm

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....
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jmarkb
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