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Walk up Ben More Coigach

By Ian Tupman   

on November 17, 2018    5/5 (2)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, Scotland, Ullapool and Assynt

Walk up Ben More Coigach

Route Essentials

Route Summary

An ascent of Ben More Coigach with an optional extension to include Sgurr an Fhidhleir

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

9.96 km

Ascent

757 m

Time

3-4 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Parking area 1km before Culnacraig

Difficulty

Hard Walk

Hazards

The Allt nan Coisiche may be difficult to cross in spate. Although not difficult, care should be taken on the ridge in strong winds. If in doubt, keep to the path on the left (north) side.

Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people

 

Weather Forecast:

MetOffice Lochinver forecast ,MWIS Northwest Highlands forecast

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Walk up Ben More Coigach Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Walk up Ben More Coigach

The walk up to the Corbett summit of Ben More Coigach involves a steep climb from Culnacraig to gain the western end of Garbh Choireachan and a traverse of the superb ridge before crossing the plateau to the summit of Ben More Coigach.

The route could easily be extended to take in Sgurr an Fhidhleir if time and energies allow.

Walk up Ben More Coigach Route Description

From the A835 take the single track road from Drumrunie signed Achiltibuie and park at the large parking area on the left hand side of the road, 1km to the NW of Culnacraig.

Walk down the hill towards Culnacraig and at the first house keep left and pick up the faint path which soon crosses a small stream.

Take the path to the left of the first house

Continue on a rising traverse before turning east to cross the Allt nan Coisiche below the mouth of the ravine. Climb steeply over often pathless ground with the Allt nan Coisiche on your left. As the ascent steepens, the path should be gained and eventually the going eases as it crosses a heathery plateau. Looking back, the Summer Isles come into view.

The Summer Isles

Now aim for the right hand side of the lower crag on Garbh Coireachan and cross the undulating ground which can be boggy in places.

Climb a steep, grassy gully and reach the zig-zag path which ascends the nose of Garbh Coireachan. Keep to the left of the large boulders but these could be taken if desired.

Gain the ridge and enjoy the surprise view down over Loch Broom and to the north-west, the Summer Isles.

Loch Broom

Keep to the ridge line or drop down to the path on the left. Whichever option is taken, at a vertical drop-off, scramble down to the left to reach the path and continue over good ground to the broad saddle.

Looking back along the ridge
The summit of Ben More, far left

Climb gently again and continue as far along the ridge of Ben More Coigach as you wish but to reach the summit you need to leave the ridge, turn left and head across the easy plateau for the short ascent to the large summit shelter.

The views from the summit are superb in all directions including Suilven, Cul Mor and Cul Beag

Looking north-east: Suilven, Cul Mor and Cul Beag

From the summit head east north-east over broken ground to reach a broad gully. Descend the gully and aim for the driest area above the head of Allt nan Coisiche.

If Sgurr an Fhidhleir is to be included, head north keeping well to the left of the vertical east face.

Whether or not Sgurr an Fhidhleir is included, locate the top of the faint path which eventually broadens and becomes more obvious as it bisects the ridge between Allt nan Coisiche and Allt a Choire Reidh.

On the descent to Culnacraig

The path steepens in a couple of places before eventually arriving at the turning area at the end of the road. Turn right and walk up the hill to return to the parking area.

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

An ascent of Ben More Coigach with an optional extension to include Sgurr an Fhidhleir

Route Start Location: Parking area 1km before Culnacraig

Distance
Ascent
Time
9.96 km 757 m 3-4 hours

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: Hard Walk

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

There is a seasonal cafe and toilets in Achiltibuie but none on the route

Hazards

The Allt nan Coisiche may be difficult to cross in spate. Although not difficult, care should be taken on the ridge in strong winds. If in doubt, keep to the path on the left (north) side.

Between June and September, the Highland midge can really spoil your day if you are not well-protected. There are various products available but Smidge seems to be effective for most people

 

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking : Not applicable

Free parking at the large parking area just before Culnacraig. GR 062042

Public Transport:

None.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

MetOffice Lochinver forecast ,MWIS Northwest Highlands forecast

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps

Guidebooks:

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Ian Tupman

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