TARMACHAN MOUNTAINEERING: FISHERFIELD FOREST MUNROS

Monday 31 May 2021

FISHERFIELD FOREST MUNROS

A' Mhaigdean

I was out guiding a group of 6 folk on the Fisherfield Forest Munros over the long Bank Holiday weekend. What a dramatic change in weather and underfoot conditions from just 7 days previous. Only a week ago we were clad in winter gear and walking in snow with poor visibility and temperatures of below freezing on the Cairngorm summits. This weekend it was 24.1 C in Kinlochewe, the warmest place in the UK.

SATURDAY 29 MAY

Our home for 2 days

On Saturday I met up with my group of 6 folk all keen and eager for our mini adventure on these fantastic mountains in Wester Ross. Most people who want to 'bag' these Munros walk in from Collie Harrie to Shenevall Bothy and set up camp on the North side of this group of hills. We took a much less frequented approach starting at Incheril near Kinlochewe and walking into beautiful Lochan Fada. From this remote, hidden Loch we walked up to a lovely coire close to our first summit in preparation for the following morning.

Lochan Fada

Red Deer near camp.

It was a pleasant, midge free evening and there were around 6 Red Deer near our camp. We had a wee stroll to tomorrows bealach for beautiful sunset views.

Sunset over Beinn Dearg Mor & An Teallach

On the nearby cliffs were the sounds of two Ring Ouzel. During the night I could hear at least two Ptarmigan not too far away from our tents.

SUNDAY 30 MAY

A glorious morning with blue skies and the sun soon streaming through my tent. We were away by 8am for a big day climbing the Western Fisherfield Munros of Beinn Tarsuinn, A' Mhaigdean & Ruadh Stac Mor.

Gleann na Muice and An Teallach

Beinn Tarsuinn summit

Our 'base camp' is at 650m so it wasn't long before we were on the top of Beinn Tarsuinn. Wonderful views and it was already a very warm morning. The continuing ridge from the main summit is narrow and offers some wonderful, very easy scrambling on Torridonian Sandstone.

Beinn Tarsuinn

Slioch and Lochan Fada

Along the ridge

Slioch and Lochan Fada dominate the views to the South as you move along the ridge. The scrambling is very easy and in a wonderful situation.

Beinn Tarsuinn's ridge

Great place

Looking towards An Teallach

Sandstone Towers

After the fun of the ridge there is a fair descent down to 525m. The ground is very dry just now with the warm conditions. This made walking a doddle in the wide, flat, peat hagged bealach. The sound of Golden Plover was fantastic here and one popped up to show off their stunning plumage.

The descent from Tarsuinn

A' Mhaigdean next

A long reascent up to the finest peak in this collection of mountains, A' Mhaigdean. The view from this hill is reputed to be the finest view from any Munro. On a day like today I wouldn't argue with that.

The finest view off any Munro?

Beinn Lair from the top

Lunch on the summit with the fine views out to the coast and down to the lochs of Fionn and Dubh. Stunning. One more Munro to climb. Ruadh Stac Mor offers an initial ascent through steep broken tiers of Sandstone. Worth the effort for the views on top.

Heading up Ruadh Stac Mor

Gazing across to An Teallach from the top

Now just a long walk back to camp. A reascent over Beinn Tarsuinn in beautiful late afternoon/evening light.

Back along Beinn Tarsuinn Ridge for the long trek back and a late supper.

Beinn Tarsuinn twice

Tomorrow's objective

MONDAY 1 May

Our last day in the Fisherfield. Another glorious blue skies morning and no midges! The final two Munros of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Sgurr Ban from our high camp is a much shorter day.

Another glorious day

Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair

Beinn Tarsuinn from the Fhearchair

A reascent over Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair is needed to get back to the tents. It was hot by midday but a good stiff breeze was blowing. We had lunch back at 'basecamp' before the walk back out.