Sail Mhòr is the final termination of the An Teallach range, a blunt final upthrust which plunges with steep crags on its northern side down to Little Loch Broom. Its position ensures that it is a sensational viewpoint.
Initially steep path, then boggy ground by the burn. Dry standstone ridges above.
None to start.
Layby on A832 short distance west of the falls.
There is parking in a layby beside the waterworks building a short distance west of the road bridge over the Ardessie Burn. Return along the verge of the road to cross the bridge, with a good view of the lower waterfalls. A short distance beyond turn right, climbing steeply on a rough path. The path - which is soon clear to follow - follows the east side of the burn uphill. (In spate conditions it may be better to instead climb the hillside west of the burn from the parking area to avoid having to cross higher up). The path is rough and boggy in places but offers some good views of the series of falls and cascades as the burn flows down the mountainside.
The route climbs over moorland where the burn flows through a gorge before the slope begins to ease. From here the path becomes indistinct at times and the going can be very boggy as the walk continues upstream. The banks of the burn are affected by landslides at several points which makes the going rougher.
The quickest route to Sail Mhòr involves crossing the burn near a confluence at NH045875; this can be tricky as the water can be deep and the boulders are covered with moss. Our route saves this shortcut for the return and instead continues upstream to another confluence at NH042868 before crossing and aiming WSW gently uphill to the wide and featureless bealach south of Ruigh Meallain.
Climb up the ridge to Ruigh Meallain, soon gaining dry ground scattered with sculpted sandstone outcrops. The views are superb, with the An Teallach range to the southeast, whilst south and southwest a range of lochs and lochans form a foreground to Beinn Dearg Mhor and Beinn Dearg Bheag in the Fisherfield Forest.
Continue easily down the north side to a bealach and then on up the steepening sandstone ridge towards Sail Mhor. The climb never becomes difficult, with a faint path to guide the way. Look out for the hairy wild goats that frequent this area.
There are two cairns atop Sail Mhor, the first being perhaps the highest but the second being larger and giving the best views. These are sensational, with the steepness of the slopes to the north giving great depth over Little Loch Broom to the Summer Isles and Coigach.
The return can be made shorter by heading east from the bealach to descend and eventually cross the Allt Airdeasaidh to rejoin the outward route.
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