Ben More Coigach and Sgùrr an Fhidhleir

Parking below Cairn Conmheall

North of Ullapool, the A835 continues north-east through Coigach to Ledmore Junction. Around halfway between Ullapool and Ledmore Junction are a couple houses that make Drumrunie, immediately south of which a narrow unclassified road heads westwards towards Achiltibuie.

Turning onto this road, follow it around Loch Lurgainn, Loch Bad a' Ghaill and Loch Osgaig to reach a junction at the southern end of Achnahaird Bay. Aim south and into Achiltibuie, then follow the road to a small car-park near its end, just before it begins to drop to the farm buildings at Culnacraig.

Heading up Cairn Conmheall, Beinn nan Caorach beyond

From the car park, a faint path crosses damp grassy ground and heads north-east uphill. Follow this path as it climbs, briefly through bracken, keeping to the west of the Allt Tarsuinn. As you turn northwards, the terrain becomes more broken with sandstone slabs scattered higher up.

Views northwards over Coigach from Cairn Conmheall

Views northwards over Coigach from Cairn Conmheall

On pt648 looking to Stac Pollaidh and Cul Mor

From Cairn Conmheall, continue east along a wide crest, passing unusual weathered sandstone features. After a gentle descent to a broad bealach, climb briefly through a heather-clad gap onto the crest of Beinn nan Caorach , where views open towards Sgùrr an Fhidhleir and Ben More Coigach.

The ridge provides superb walking, curving gradually north to reach the minor summit at Pt. 648m . A small cairn of sandstone slabs stands here above a precipitous drop to the north-east, with stunning views towards Beinn an Eoin, Cul Mor and Cul Beag.

On Sgùrr na Fhidhleir looking back over pt648 to the Summer Isles

On Sgùrr na Fhidhleir looking back over pt648 to the Summer Isles

The lochan on the col between Sgùrr an Fhidhleir and Ben More Coigach

The full western side of Ben More Coigach now dominates the view, less severe than its cliff-lined eastern face.

From Sgùrr an Fhidhleir, avoid the crags on its eastern side by descending initially south-west, then southwards on scree to a col with a shallow lochan. From here, a grassy rake leads directly to Ben More Coigach’s summit, but a worthwhile detour leads east to Speicein Còinnich , the mountain’s eastern top, for both completeness and fine views. From the col, another grassy rake on the left climbs towards this airy minor summit, with a little dip before reaching it.

Nearing Beinn More Coigach's summit

Nearing Beinn More Coigach's summit

To descend, continue south-west along the ridge. The crest narrows before the final climb to the westerly top of Speicein nan Garbh-choireachan , where the path sticks faithfully to the narrow ridge. This summit gives fine retrospective views back across Ben More Coigach.

Looking over Loch Broom from Speicein nan Garbh-choireachan

Looking over Loch Broom from Speicein nan Garbh-choireachan