An Teallach
DAY 3
12 NH065809 Return the way you came on Day 1 until you reach the re-entrant with the small junction you (hopefully) made a mental note of. It is about 500m after the stream. You might be tempted to cut some of the path out and head directly up toward Sail Liath but it probably won’t save you any time or energy as the terrain is very rough.
13 NH090818 Dog-leg south-west onto the thin track that leads toward Sail Liath. It’s boggy and you might lose sight of it here and there – just aim up the broad ridge as it swings to a more north-westerly line. As you near the top, you reach a boulder field. A track runs through it then disappears as the boulders get bigger. Keep on the same bearing and beware of being fooled by the boulder that looks like a trig! It eventually eases out to more enjoyable terrain. The section between Sail Liath and Sgurr Fiona is essentially the scrambling part of the ridge but for this route, we will bypass it. You’ll probably be carrying a heavier than usual pack and feeling tired from the previous day.
14 NH071824 From the viewing platform on Sail Liath, the route curves down to the left then back rightwards to the bealach. Ignore the obvious pinnacle. The climb to Stob Cadha Gobhlach is loose and mucky – a characteristic of much of the section to Sgurr Fiona. Keep left as you start to climb Corrag Bhuide, to avoid the steep and exposed scrambling. As you near the top, at around 950m, the track curves left and becomes more defined as an obvious and well worn track that contours around the side of the mountain. While being less technical than the ridge scrambling, this section still has the potential to be very dangerous, particularly in the wet. You have to be 100% focused to stay on the right track. Look out for a dog-leg and then a 2m downclimb about half way. There are false tracks – one of which leads to a very exposed promontory where a fall could be fatal. As a rule, if you’re going significantly up or down, stop and think. At around
NH064834, you’ll eventually reach an obvious fork. Take the right track to climb up to the ridge. This takes you to the bealach between Sgurr Fiona and Lord Berkeley’s Seat. If you’re going to brave and scramble up to the top, leave your bag somewhere secure and take care. Keep off the crest of the ridge and if it’s windy, don’t risk it. It’s very exposed. After having a little nose, return to the bealach and continue to Sgurr Fiona.
15 NH064836 From Sgurr Fiona, the route is a lot less intense and is essentially comfortable mountain walking (in comparison to the previous section!). Descend north-west through broken ground and then keep to the ridgeline as you climb back up to Bidean a Ghlas Thuill. It’s easy to get pulled to the left but the best views back are closer to the right-hand edge. Descend north-east from here down to the bealach with a small rise, where a track cuts left to avoid the climb. Keep your eye out for it as you descend.
16 NH067851 A large cairn marks the descent into Coir’ a’ Mhuilinn. Handrail the river down the valley. The route occasionally becomes vague but there is an excessive number of cairns. As you near the valley floor, an obvious farm below is a good aiming point. The track eventually leads you behind a few houses and through a break in some bushes to the road – a suitably entertaining finish to the trip!