Achnashellach - Sgurr Coinnich and Sgurr Chaorachain; and Sgurr na Feartaig. 20 April 2025
Sgurr Coinnich (Kenneth’s Peak) and Sgurr Chaorachain (Peak of the torrent)
A bright day dawned for the club meet at Craig in Strath Carron, two groups met at the carpark, one team for the Corbett Sgurr na Feartaig and our team, Martin, Stela, May, Sharan, Meg and Martyn for Sgurr Coinnich and Sgurr Chaorachain.
The track leading up the glen following Allt a’ Chonais though steep in places was easily climbed with good conversation. On arriving at the river crossing the wire bridge was used at the burn was a too deep. Always an exciting exercise. The path then ascended to Bealach Bhernais and then up to the two peaks. Some snow was encountered which led to a few snowballs thrown. The views for the tops were superb, the Sea, Skye, The Ben and many mountains could be seen. On viewing you could make out more and more tops in the 360-degree panorama.
The descent off these tops is never easy, with steep slopes, rock outcrops and bog. A herd for red deer were spotted on the other side of the Glen. The team made it off with just a few wet slides and walked the long track back to the car park at Craig.
Taking part: Martin, Stela, May, Sharan, Martyn and prospective member Meg
Words: Martyn Pictures: May, Martin and Stela
Sgurr na Feartaig
A group of eight people and two dogs set off hard on the heels of the Munros group. We were heading for the “shoogly bridge” which would give us access to the fine stalkers path which would take us to the summit of Sgurr na Feartaig.
A recent post in Walkhighlands from a dog walker had given us pause for thought. Clearly the dogs would not be able to cross the bridge - a shaky construction of rope and wooden slats with one or two slats missing for good measure. So dogs and owners headed upstream to find a crossing spot. In the event, the shoogly bridge lived up to its name, but the crossing was fine and even provided some modest bridge training for one of our number who was heading to Pakistan trekking later this summer.
The stalkers path allowed us to make easy work of the ascent and we soaked in the views from Rum and Skye, Applecross, and the Coulin Forest. We debated what two snowy pyramids to the North East were - Sgurr Mor with Beinn Dearg behind, we think. (Well named, Christine.) And Ged spotted our companion Munros group on the west ridge of neighbouring Sgurr Choinnich, just approaching the snow line.
We wandered along the summit ridge on a path skirting the edge of the crags of Coire na Each to the North. Descending to a flat, lochan strewn area - we picked up the path heading north from Bernais bothy - now one of the Cape Wrath Trail routes through this area. The path took on a wee bit of mountain character, zig-zagging down ledges at the side of Creag a Chaorainn. Then it was a long walk down Coire Leiridh and along the forest track back to our starting point at Craig.
Taking part: Anne, Christine, Jan, Jill(+Moss), Ged, Richard(+Orla), Arthur and prospective member Liz.
Words: Arthur
Photos: Anne, Liz and Arthur
