Ben Mor Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir; Stac Pollaidh. 8 September 2024
Ben Mor Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir
As we descended from Sgurr an Fhidhleir at the end of the day the Summer Isles emerged hazily from the clag that had enveloped us all day and we started to get a hint of the views that these two Coigach hills promised, but never materialised.
Most of our recent trips to “the big hill of Coigach” have started from Blughasary, saving an hour in driving time, but missing out the fine south west ridge of sandstone towers. This time we went on through Achiltibuie to start from Culnacraig. En route Martyn picked up a hitchhiker near Leckmelm, who was walking off road where possible from Lands End to John o’ Groats. He was aiming for a rest day in Ullapool before rejoining the trail for his final six days walking.
We donned waterproofs and set off for Garbh Chireachan and the foot of the ridge. We clambered up between eroded sandstone slabs to the narrowing of the ridge with its sandstone towers looming out of the mist. Jill’s collie, Moss chose the bypass paths (of which there seemed to be many) and the rest of us skipped between the crest and the bypass paths where the way off the crest was obscured by the mist.
Nearing the top of the ridge
Still on the ridge
Summit of Ben More Coigach
We stopped for lunch at the summit which rises from a grassy plateau to the north of the ridge. We were surprised to find several sheep grazing there and Moss showed remarkable restraint in not trying to round them up.
From Ben Mor Coigach summit we decided on some navigation practice to take us to Sgurr an Fhidhleir. Martyn comments - Although there were no views apart from near the coast the weather proved good for some navigation practice with bearings being taken to work out which way to go. Arthur shared a good tip he gained from a guide, placing a walking pole pointing in the direction you just walked from at the top when the visibility is poor. (Who hasn't walked off a top in the wrong direction!)
We didn’t experience any of the compass needle deflection that has been reported in this area, but we did have the benefit of the handrail of the steep slope and crags that run from the North of Ben More Coigach to Sgurr an Fhidhleir to keep us right. The path down the south shoulder of Coire Rèidh goes directly back to the end of the public road near Culnacraig and that proved to be a more attractive option than continuing through the mist to the other minor summits to the west of Sgurr an Fhidheir.
Martyn’s final comment - It would be good to repeat this trip when the weather gives the excellent views that can be gained from these hills.
Taking part: Martyn, Donna, Diana, Shona, Arthur and prospective member Jill (and Moss). Welcome to Donna and Diana both of whom have recently joined the club.
Words and Photos: Martyn and Arthur
Summit of Sgurr an Fhidlheir
Descending Coire Reidh
A drookit Moss and Jill
This is what the view should have been like
And yet another photo from a previous club trip
Super sandstone pavement off the N of Ben More Coigach
Stac Pollaidh
It really was a damp day. We'll have to return for a scramble and to find the elusive stunning views another time. However, Jan managed to capture a Stac Pollaidh view the night before the clag descended.
Taking part: Emma, Jan, Max and Anna
Jan's view of Stac Pollaidh from the previous evening
Ascending into the clag
Still no views
Despite the conditions Jan and Maz remain cheerful
Maz, Anna and Emma - still smiling
The east top