walkhighlands

More Peak District than Highlands

Route: Am Faochagach

Munros: Am Faochagach

Date walked: 12/09/2021

Time taken: 5.2 hours

Distance: 18.9km

Ascent: 794m

A look at the map prior to this walk suggested that the easiest route would be to bike from The Aultguish Inn to Strathvaich Lodge, hide the bike there and continue on foot on the track which passes up round Meall Coire nan Laogh, Tom Ban Mor, Creag Rainich and Sron Liath before the final ascent to the Summit of Am Faochogach. Further research on this website did not change my view. I had no intention of getting wet feet.
The day started well. The gate across the road up to Loch Vaich was shut. I went through, being sure to shut it behind me. Keeping left, I came to Strathvaich Lodge and found the start of the track leading to the left of the property, which was surrounded by a wall. I found a suitable spot to leave the bike in the gauze bushes.
The track was fairly easy to follow. It was not well made but the terrain is very easy. Wet patches were easy to bypass. It was fairly steep at first but the gradient eased off when I reached Meall Coire nan Laogh.
From this point on, much of the walking was so gentle that I was able to maintain my usual walking pace. The track was clear nearly all the way to the final ascent to the summit. In a few places, there were wet or rocky patches but I had no trouble picking up the track again. The path is much harder to follow on the final ascent, although I found sections of it on my descent. The summit came upon me by surprise - no false summit with a further punishing climb. There are 2 cairns on the summit, the larger marking the true summit. There was no wind at all so I ate my first lunch and took a few pictures. Beinn Dearg and companions looker dark and menacing. They would have to wait for another year.
My descent was easy and fast. I took care to ensure I didn't take the track which leads to the bog and river crossing described in other reports. It was well worth taking a compass bearing and this would be a must in foggy conditions.
I stopped for second lunch about half way down. In no time at all I was back at the bike.
The ride back to the Aultguish Inn was fast and easy, having not overexerted myself on the walk.
I had the benefit of doing this walk after a dry summer, although it had rained for 3 days prior to the walk. Nevertheless, I suspect this route would be suitable in all but the wettest conditions, provided the walker is equipped with decent boots and gaiters, as I was. In drier conditions, this route would be suitable for runners. The drawback is that you need a bike unless you are willing to add a long walk to the main road.

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Comments: 1


clarerogers


Activity: Munro compleatist
Pub: The White Bear, Epworth
Mountain: Lochnagar
Place: Aviemore
Gear: Waterproof coat
Member: None
Ideal day out: 15+ miles taking in 3 munros with no cloud on the tops

Munros: 51



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Statistics

2021

Trips: 1
Distance: 18.9 km
Ascent: 794m
Munros: 1


Joined: Aug 26, 2018
Last visited: Oct 04, 2022
Total posts: 1 | Search posts