 Meall a' Chrasgaidh with An Tellach behind  The northern summits of the Fannichs The central / western parts of this wilderness is regarded as having the finest peaks on the mainland with few contestants. The area generally includes the Fisherfield Forest and also includes An Teallach facing the Destitution Road. Further south lies Fhionn Loch and Lochan Fada - very romantic and peaceful during fine spring evenings. The southern extremity of the prime wilderness is guarded by the long Loch Maree and the guardian peaks of Slioch and Beinn Liar.
Despite its remoteness, good stalkers paths criss cross the region and offer speedy cross country walks across otherwise very rough ground. There are big river crossings that generally don't include bridges and very lengthy diversions in wet weather are not unknown for parties in the region. Whatever the goal here, a respect for the elements will often dictate that it's wise to bring two days of food even if off for just a days walk. The Fannichs
Topographical map of Fannich Summits
The eastern summits look dull when seen from the western end of the ridge. Indeed when on the ridge on the east end, it's a broad whaleback. But the interest lies hidden beneath the convex slopes in the corries. The entire ridge terminates upon Garbh Choire Mhor, a secluded corrie unseen from the public road.. A scenic way up to this ridge is from the north, just west of Loch Glascarnoch where a weather station lies. It's a long tough walk that follows a river but the ridge is in full view all the way.
Once up close to the corries, you'll find many have quite nice lochs nestled at the bottom of them. The ridge becomes more interesting further west at Sgurr Mor. Here the corries cut right back into the crest of the ridge instead of lying hidden from view. The views westward suddenly become much more dramatic, the evocative peaks of the Fisherfield beckon from here while the heather moors to the east slip away.
The North ridge of Sgurr nan Clach Geala looks from some angles to be very fearsome, but it's quite easy. The eastern corrie of this peak has the highest cliffs in the Fannichs. Further south lies a little twin of Sgurr nan Clach Geala - Sgurr nan Each. The western slopes of these summits are generally grassy with just a few outcrops. There are some satellite munros off the Fannich ridge and these are quite rounded but do offer excellent views of some of the corries.
The two western Fannich summits provide a final transition from the smooth eastern ridges to the rockier peaks of the Fisherfield. They can be done as a short day from the destitution road but are done nicely as a last day's finale traverse of the Fannichs. The rise up from the 550m pass follows a broad grassy ridge unto Sgurr Breac at 999m. The traverse to A' Chailleach at 997m passes over the small top of Toman Coinnich at 925m. The terrain comprises of a broad grassy ridge terminated by steep drops to the north.  Westernmost Fannich Summits From A' Chailleach, the normal means of descent isto follow its north ridge down to Sron na Goibhre and then east down to Loch TOll an Lochain. From here the stream can be followed down to the glen, taking care of some small outcrops along the way. Once at the east end of Loch a' Bhraoin, an easy track can be followed back to destitution road. Ben Wyvis
The usual approach is from the west. A carpark (south of Garbat carpark marked on the map) is the starting point for the approach path that ascends through the forest. The path is purpose built and well graded all the way to the Western ridge of An Cabar. About a third of the way up the ridge the graded path finishes and the heavy erosion starts on the steeper slopes. Once on the ridge, the way to the summit lies along a 2km broad ridge. The path here can be quite boggy in rain, but the surrounding vegetation is very fragile and can easily degrade into bog itself with the passing of just a few walkers. |
