For Munro baggers, An Teallach may be all about the two main summits; for scramblers or winter mountaineers it's the magnificent Corrag Buidhe traverse, arguably the finest big ridge on the British Mainland. But on a massif of such complex drama there are clearly more than two ways to skin a cat. If the Toll an Lochain skyline seems a tall order, or you just fancy something different, try an alternative northern circuit. An extended and more satisfyingly circular take on the standard Munro day, this airy and aesthetic ridge-based round gets a little hands-on without the full fat thrills of the scrambler's classic. The Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles this ain't - and that's partly the point. As an easier route - albeit still with an element of mountaineering - it's a great one for winter.
The dog leg using the Dundonnell path is fine, but in essence that's a partial loop of Coire Mòr an Teallaich - which is amenable to a wider loop from Ardessie, with or without the Corbett Sail Mhòr.
I have done the circuit from Ardessie without Sail Mhor: it was a good day out, though the section alongside the Ardessie Burn once the path gives out is quite rough going.
I had not thought about the possibility of the short cut across the top of the corrie, that's a useful tip, Dan! I would recommend using the old path via Meall Garbh in at least one or other direction.
I've done route in early May once from a camp near the Allt Airdeasaidh. It was very much a winter experience during which I got a very close pass from the Coastguard helicopter. Happy days.
