Meall Onfhaidh and Aodann Chlèireig

Car-park by Fassfern

The A830 travels from Fort William along the northern shore of Loch Eil to Glenfinnan and onwards to Mallaig.

Around halfway along Loch Eil, a section of the old road detours a short distance northwards up Gleann Suileag, passing the row of houses that make up Fassfern.

The road crosses a bridge over the An t-Suileag, where by some old shielings, there is a large parking area with a tourist information board. There is a height barrier across the access to the car-park, restricting vehicles to under 2.1m.

Meall Onfhaidh from the gate in the deer-fence

From the car-park, a forestry track is followed northwards, passing two large buildings before entering the trees. The track climbs gently to a junction where the return route branches left - the main track is followed ahead.

Veering north-west, the track makes a fairly sharp turn right. Shortly after, a marked path on the left is ignored, and the main track is continued. Meall a' Phùbuill then Meall Onfhaidh soon come into view above the forest ahead. A track joins from the right , then at the next split, the right-hand branch is taken and track followed onwards.

A large locked gate in a deer fence blocks the track - there is no stile, but wooden slats at the side are easily climbed over. Shortly after, the track ends beside a small dam on the Leth Alt. ATV tracks keep to the south side of the burn, crossing it via a mesh bridge a few paces upstream.

The tracks continue northwards through grass and heather before gradually fading into the hillside. From here, a direct line is taken uphill on steep but uncomplicated grassy slopes. After gaining over 300m of height, the gradient eases and the route turns north-west across the undulating, flowing crest of Meall Onfhaidh's summit plateau.

Gulvain's slopes from the small cairn on Meall Onfhaidh

Gulvain's slopes from the small cairn on Meall Onfhaidh

Heading down to the bealach between Meall Onfhaidh and Aodann Chlèireig

From Meall Onfhaidh, the wide crest is followed north-west, gradually curving westwards. The slope downwards steepens but remains grassy and pleasant underfoot. With views ahead to the crests of Braigh nan Uamhachan and Streap, the shoulder drops south-west to a bealach below Aodann Chlèireig.

Aodann Chlèireig's northern arm forms a contrasting landscape to the slopes of Meall Onfhaidh — gentler overall, but broken by lines of rock and minor crags. The ascent is straightforward.

Nearing the final pull before the summit, a line of crags appears more prominent and the route above may look intimidating. However, a grassy ramp is easily found by keeping slightly left (east), then slanting westwards up through the rocks to reach the summit crest.

Route up the north-eastern face of Aodann Chlèireig

Route up the north-eastern face of Aodann Chlèireig

On Aodann Chlèireig's crest looking over Loch Eil to Fort William, Ben Nevis and the Mamores

From Aodann Chlèireig's summit, the old line of posts is followed south-east along the hill's broad crest. They provide useful guidance for around 1km before turning to drop into Gleann Suileag - here the posts are left and the crest is followed for another kilometre or so. Views are excellent across Loch Eil to Ben Nevis and the Mamores.

Eventually, a high deer fence is met crossing the hillside, ideally reached at a gate, where a stile stands alongside.

Forestry operations in Gleann Suileag

Forestry operations in Gleann Suileag

Alternative start:
The forestry approach at the start can feel enclosed. A more pleasant alternative follows the eastern bank of the An t-Suileag. From the car-park, the road bridge over the burn is crossed, after which the track marked by a right-of-way sign towards Glen Loy is followed. Passing attractive little waterfalls through woodland, the track continues for around 1km to a junction where a bridge over the river is crossed. The track beyond leads back to the main route at the forestry junction .

Beinn an t-Sneachda extension:
Aodann Chlèireig is a long hill curving around Coire Chur. On its western half stands the minor Graham Top of Beinn an t-Sneachda. Including this makes for a slightly longer outing, with a possible finish on forestry tracks or by the roadside around 2km west of Fassfern.

Extension to Meall a' Phùbuill:
The Corbett, Meall a' Phùbuill lies to the north-east of Meall Onfhaidh and can be added to the day. A route to this hill is described on the Meall a' Phùbuill from Fassfern page. That route uses a bike to gain the bealach between Meall Onfhaidh and Meall a' Phùbuill - obviously, using a bike wouldn't work if attempting all three hills in one outing !