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It was a few years ago while sitting on top of Arkle that we looked across and decided that we had to walk the entire ridge of Foinaven.
Foinaven as seen from ArkleSeveral years have passed since and the stars have never aligned to make it happen until last month.
Here are some of the options we had.
1. An out and back from Loch Stack to Ganu Mor like Black Panther and Kevin had done.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=752522. A linear route from Loch Stack to Gualin House and then cycle the many miles back to the start.
3.As above but one person thumbs a lift back to the start.
4.Convince someone to give us a lift and twiddle their thumbs for 9 hours while waiting for us.
5.Do the WH route and miss out the main part of the ridge.
There was also a list of rules, some of which seemed to be made up on the day.
1. It had to be a nice day.
2. A linear route of the ridge was required.
3. All tops had to be visited.
4. Someone had to remember the car keys.
Years passed and none of these things ever looked likely to happen so with a half decent forecast for Monday 10th June it was decided we (2 people) would take 2 cars drive to Gualin House drop one car and then down to the car park at Lone with the other car and walk back via Foinaven.
We left Inverness at 5.30am and with a clear road we were at the car park near Gualin House in less than 2.5 hours. Then the short drive down to the Loch Stack car park at Lone. We set off and it very nearly went t***$ up from the start as we had left the car keys for the other car in the car we had just left
but realised very quickly and a short walk back and all was well, ready to start again. The scenery is outstanding throughout and from the start.
ArkleThe route was long and tough but straightforward in good conditions.
On the track up to the Bealach HornFrom leaving the track at the bealach up to the first top An t-Sail Mhor seemed to take forever. The cloud was down and we couldn't see Foinaven but as we made our way across to the start of the ridge, all was revealed.
First view of Foinaven ridgeA' Cheir GhormThe initial descent on to the ridge from the 808 point is loose and steep but looked a lot worse than it was.
Looking back at the first descentIf you are ever get to this point beware of the man who lives in the howff.
Howff dwelling mannyThe next part up to Lord Reays seat was the best part for me. A bit airy and some mild scrambling if you stick to the ridge line. The most exposed part could be avoided to the left but no need really.
Looking back from Lord Reays seatSome views from the ridge
Eventually we had arrived at the highest point of Foinaven - Ganu Mor, where I proceeded to the wrong cairn.
Ganu Mor - not the true summit Leaving Ganu Mor we met a couple, the only folk we saw all day - we then visited Ceann Garbh the last top, because it was one of the rules to visit all the tops and luckily it was a good exit point at the end of the ridge
A never ending descent down the east ridge to eventually reach the track in Srath Dionard then the long walk out.
Fionaven is a great hill which ever way you do it but I would thoroughly recommend this route as one of the best days to be had on the Scottish hills...
…..and remember if you don't visit all the tops it doesn't count.