Glen Shiel may be a ridge walking mecca, but given the rugged and precipitous character of its many superb Munros it is perhaps surprising that there is only one really notable scramble - the Forcan Ridge. This is the most interesting route on the area's most impressive hill, the sharp-peaked, multi-topped Saddle. With considerable exposure and some nice tricky bits the Forcan Ridge is classic grade 2 scrambling ground, though an opt-out path does exist for anyone determined to deny themselves the pleasure.
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Detailed description
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 6.20 miles (10 km)
Total ascent: 1,080m
Time: 6 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Layby in Glen Shiel, NG968142
Nearest town:
Kyle of Lochalsh
Terrain:
Clear paths lead to the Forcan Ridge. This gives some steep, exposed grade 2 scrambling if the crest is followed direct; the easier get-out path below the crest is only moderately scrambly at about grade 1.
Seasonal variations:
The Forcan Ridge is a classic grade II winter mountaineering traverse; some parties may want to abseil the descent from Sgurr nan Forcan.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Maps:
OS Explorer 413 (1:25,000), OS Explorer 414 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 33 (1:50,000)
Accommodation:
Ratagan Youth Hostel 0870 004 1147 Kintail Lodge Hotel bunkhouse 01599 511275
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Public transport:
Scottish Citylink buses from Fort William to Portree pass through Glen Shiel and can drop you on request http://www.citylink.co.uk
Guidebooks:
Scotland's Mountain Ridges, Dan Bailey, pb.Cicerone
http://www.cicerone.co.uk/product/detail.cfm/book/469/title/scotland-s-mountain-ridges/refer/ukh
Tourist info:
Cluanie (01320 340 238)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- Beinn Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh 5 Feb
- East Ridge of Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach 21 Jan
- A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire 4 Dec, 2023
- Meall na Teanga & Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - The Loch Lochy Munros 6 Nov, 2023
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023