Fisherfield Six
11/05/19
Bike/walk 11.4km + 420m. Dundonnell.
Walked in from the road GR114850 (15.00), pushing the bike up nearly all the up hill due to the roughness of the track. Got to Shenavall Bothy (17.00) which was quite quiet. Chatted to a couple of guys who came in having completed the six that day. Also chatted to a man who was meeting three other people who were riding in with their horses. Unusual and nice to see.
12/5/19
30km + 2340m. Fisherfield Six
Shenavall Bothy (05.40), took a fairly direct approach up Beinn a' Chlaidheimh (08.15) with its lovely ridge. Dropped down to Am Briseadh and started the long climb up the quartzite boulder field to Sgurr Ban (10.00). The steep ascent to Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (10.50) was very pleasant in comparison, a bit of a path so you didn't have to concentrate on every step. It was then out to the East Top (11.05) and Sgurr Dubh (11.00) which entailed some scrambling and careful route finding to get there. I retraced my step to the col and had a good break before tackling a traverse to the next col GR050728. I took a slightly higher line that a broken path; not sure that it saved me any time! Further contouring took me round Meall Garbh to Beach Odhar and the ascent to Beinn Tarsuinn (13.30) where I had a chat with two lads who were completing the Munros. From there it was a stunning bit of ridge over flat table of Suidheachan Fhinn, before the long descent to the col at 525m (14.15) and another break. After this is the long but steady climb up to A' Mhaighdean (15.40) where I savoured the views down to Carn Mor and memories of climbing Fionn Buttress. A path now took me down to Poll Eadar dha Stac, and the final Munro of Ruadh Staccatos Mor (16.40) where I took the time to enjoy the moment. Rather than taking the direct route, I retraced my steps to and took the stalkers path Lochan Feith Mhic-illean, passing Loch Beinn Dearg (18.10) and onwards to Shenavall Bothy (20.15).
A long day! I slowed down towards the end and just enjoyed a fantastic evening, taking the time to chat with various people along the way. Despite suffering from a bit of chaffing towards the end, I hadn't noticed my boxers had slipped down, it was a very successful walk. I was very pleased to have managed it, I was back on schedule to finish my final Munro at the end of the month with various friends. I was also able to give my maps and offer advice to two ladies who were going to do the round the next day. A lovely sunset capped it off.
13/5/19
Bike/walk 11.4km + 350m.
A reverse of two days ago. I was too pleased with myself managing to bike down the very rough track! Just as I thought I needed to take another break calamity struck with my lower left leg between a large rock and the bike as I crashed. I got down the final 5 minutes to the road sorted out kit, stripped down and had a pan wash. Fantastic to feel clean again. Then started the long drive home. Had to stop to put a compression bandage on my leg to reduce the pain. That evening it was a trip to A&E; one haematoma and bruising from sole of foot to knee. Still suffering three weeks later!
Area :
Loch Maree to Loch Broom and The Fannaichs
This area contains four main sub-regions: An Teallach, The Fannaichs, Kinlochewe & Letterewe. The highest Munro is Sgurr Mor, part of The Fannaichs range, at a height of 1110m. The impressive Slioch (981m), although not the tallest, is described by the SMC Munros Guide as being ‘one of the great sights of the Northern Highlands’ and well worth a visit. This area sits to the north of the A832 and is almost completely devoid of human habitation.
