Foinaven circuit

Summary

Though it just misses Munro status, spectacular Foinaven is one of the finest mountains in Sutherland - or perhaps in Scotland. This complex mass of quartzite screes has a magnificent ridge and several superb corries. The complete traverse is one of the grandest of walks but is very long with difficult transport arrangements; this circular route is shorter and takes in the highest summit.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Extremely rough hillwalking. Good track up Srath Dionard but otherwise pathless; very boggy ground lower down, steep with boulders higher up.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

A838 near Gualin House.

Public Transport

Very infrequent service passes along A838.

Start Grid Ref

NC308567

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.5km / 11.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 9 hours
Ascent: 982m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Foinaven

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Walk Description

User reports (15)

Stage 1

There is parking in a small quarry just north of Gualin House on the A838. Begin the walk by heading along the road towards the house, then forking left through a kissing gate. Turn left onto the track that descends into Srath Dionard. There are good views of the day's objective; continue along the track, which eventually runs alongside the River Dionard.

Stage 2

After around 6.5km leave the track to head up towards Coire Duail - either beside the burn or cutting across the bog to reach it. The first objective is to reach Bealach nan Càrn which separates outlying Cnoc a' Mhadaidh from Ceann Garbh - you can either follow the burn up towards the lochan and then climb to the bealach from there, or take a rising traverse across the slopes of Cnoc a' Mhadaidh. There are superb views of both Ceann Garbh and the highest summit of Foinaven, Ganu Mòr .

Stage 3

Higher up there are views across to the dramatic and forbidding A' Ch'eir Ghorm ridge which branches off the main ridge of Foinaven further south. From the bealach the ascent to Ceann Garbh is steep and sustained; there is an initial stretch over large boulders, then grass before another steep boulderfield. Higher up the route becomes a more defined ridge but continues to climb all the way to the top. There are stunning views throughout the climb, both of Foinaven itself and northwards towards the sandy beaches of Faraid Head and the great peak of Ben Hope.

Stage 4

Peering over the edge, the lochan in Glas-Choire Granda can be seen far below. The summit of Ceann Garbh has a wonderful outlook along the western seaboard. Looking back inland, a graceful ridge curves round above the screes to link with Ganu Mòr - note the very steep scree path descending into the corrie on the left from the lowest point.

Stage 5

Continue from the bealach up to the flattish summit of Ganu Mòr , which has two cairns. The first is perhaps the highest, but the second, more easterly, cairn - has the finest view.

Stage 6

The immense main ridge of Foinaven is well seen from here, extending to the south and taking in the dramatic peak of Lord Reay's Seat, and may tempt you to attempt the full traverse on a future occasion.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps back around the ridge to Ceann Garbh. From here a descent can be made heading down the slopes to the NW, down a mix of grass slopes and boulders.

Stage 8

There is a final band of crags at around 440m, which can be avoided by keeping slightly left without having to detour right out onto Creag na Claise Carnaich. Once down to the moorland, the long boggy trudge back to Gualin House begins - keep to the highest ground and outcrops of rocks to avoid the worst of the wet going.

Stage 9

There are stunning views back to Foinaven. On the final stretch it is necessary to pass between Lochan Sgeireach and Loch Tarbhaidh to reach the road just west of Gualin House (aiming for the road to the west of Loch Tarbhaidh leads across even wetter ground). Return along the road to the quarry at the start.

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