Ganu Mor, Foinaven (Foinne Bheinn)
Impressive quartzite Corbett mountain
With its boulderfields, ridges, crags, summits and corries, Foinaven is a magnificent mountain regardless of list status and reminiscent of Beinn Eighe in Torridon.Ganu Mor, Foinaven
| Height | 911.05m |
| Prominence | 688m |
| Meaning | white hill (big wedge) |
| Lists | Corbett, 8 |
| Location | Reay Forest, Coigach and the far north |
| Grid Ref | NC315506 |
| Lat/Lon | 58.41206, -4.88569 |
Back in the early 1990's Foinaven's summit, Ganu Mor was given a spot height of 915m by the Ordnance Survey, therefore briefly becoming a Munro. The local hotels braced themselves for an influx of Munro-baggers, before Foinaven's summit was quickly given a revised height of 913m (which has since been revised further).
Foinaven is a formidable and complex mountain topped with quartzite boulders and with many ridges, coires and spurs. Foinaven's summit, Ganu Mor is near the northern end of the mountain and the nearest approach point would be from the A838 north-west of Rhiconich. However, most of Foinaven's splendid character would be missed from this angle.
Approaches from Loch Stack to the south may be longer, but Foinaven's complexity can be better appreciated. Another advantage of approaching from this direction, is that other fine mountain peaks can be added in to make for a superb long hillwalking day.
Fine tracks give access to Foinaven and its neighbours, however higher up the ground is very rough and often pathless. Foinaven is therefore not recommended for inexperienced walkers.
Routes up Ganu Mor, Foinaven
Foinaven and Arkle from Loch Stack | |
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From the western end of Loch Stack, a fine estate track heads into the hidden wilderness of Reay Forest below Foinaven and Arkle. Rough and steep ground is then tackled to gain narrow crests of these complex and superb mountains. Peaks : 2 Corbetts
Ascent : 2175m (7140ft) Distance : 31km (19m) Time : 11:30hr |
Reay Forest Corbetts from Lone | |
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Heading in from the roadside at the southern end of Loch Stack, this spectacular circular route takes in the 3 Corbett summits of Meall Horn, Foinaven and Arkle. A fine track leads into the remote area, thereafter paths are few, terrain is rough, mountain crests are many and navigation can be challenging. Peaks : 3 Corbetts
Ascent : 2550m (8370ft) Distance : 31km (19m) Time : 12hr |
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