Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir - the Fiddler

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Summary

The moorland walk to the peak of Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir disguises the drama of the peak's far side. Approached up the fairly gentle south western flanks, from the summit there is an amazing contrast as the ground plunges away almost 500 metres vertically with amazing views down to the loch and of the surrounding Assynt peaks. The name Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir means the Peak of the Fiddler in Gaelic.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Straightforward hillwalk across moorland terrain; navigation could be difficult in misty conditions and there are vertical drops in the vicinity of the summit.

Public Transport

None to start. Nearest bus Badenscallie (Bus 811 from Ullapool) 4km from start.

Start

Parking area on north of minor road from Achiltibuie just before road dips down to Culnacraig. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 590m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC061041

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Sgùrr an Fhidheir

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

There is a parking area to the north of the minor road from Achiltibuie just before it finally dips down to Culnacraig. There is a turning area just before Culnacraig if you miss it. From the parking area follow the road to the turning area and across the bridge over the burn. On the far side turn left to head along a rough path which soon crosses a smaller burn and heads ENE up the broad ridge.

Stage 2

Soon there is a fairly steep climb where the path has eroded in places and can be boggy in wet weather. Behind the views over the Summer Isles and the mountains on the far side of Loch Broom including An Teallach get better all the time. To the right the ridge of Ben More Coigach looks impressive and you can often make out people walking along the airy ridge.

Stage 3

After just over 1km of climbing, the gradient begins eases and the peak of Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir can be seen clearly ahead - looking decidedly gentle from this angle. To the left the other side of the horseshoe route is Beinn nan Caorach. The walk continues up the broad moorland for another 2km or more.

Stage 4

The path fades out to nothing after a final cairn; continue ascending, keeping to the highest ground in the middle of the ridge. Eventually the ground steepens for the final climb to the summit. The rocky bands can easily be bypassed.

Stage 5

There is a small summit cairn; it is from just beyond it that you really appreciate the setting and steepness of the Fiddler's north east side. The cliffs drop away almost vertically vertically at at your feet, giving great depth to the superb view taking in Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Beinn an Èoin.

Stage 6

The return is by the same outward route. Begin by simply following the easiest ground southwest. A path is reached by a cairn, soon marked by more cairns, and the route becomes clearer as you descend. There are great views out over the sea ahead. Eventually the houses at Culnacraig come into view and the path descends steeper ground that is eroded in places, aiming for the bridge just before the turning area. Cross the stream and soon emerge onto the road, turn right to cross the bridge and climb up the hill to the parking area at the start.

Route Profile

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