It's not even high enough to qualify as a Corbett (for what that matters), but this fabulous mountain is one of the true greats of the Scottish northwest, a complex massif with several sharp summits and an interesting rocky ridge or two. The satellite peaks are more impressive than the main summit - Sgurr an Fhidhleir with its famous Nose; and Garbh Choireachan, a huge wall rising straight out of the sea to a narrow crest. With the tides sucking at one side and a string of inland lochs on the other Ben Mor Coigach seems almost cut adrift from the Mainland proper. Shorter routes on the hill are possible, but to make the most of its unique coastal setting take the one described here, the stunning Postie's Path. Before a road was built to connect Coigach to the outside world this was the way most traffic came. It has to be one of the best approaches to any Scottish hill, a rough trail on a rugged and remote stretch of coastline, with some surprising exposure and even the odd hands-on move. Don't miss it. Most hills would struggle to live up to the Postie's Path, but Ben Mor Coigach manages fine. All in all, it's hard to think of a better day out.
Detailed description
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Difficulty: DifficultDistance: 12.60 miles (20.28 km)
Total ascent: 1,404m
Steepest Gradient: 46% (1 in 2)
Time: 7 – 9 hours (Walking)
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Additional Information
Start/Finish:Walker's car park at the road end in Blughasary, NC134014
Nearest town:
Ullapool
Terrain:
The Postie's Path is hard going, with a lot of rough ground, some rocky bits and a few bogs. Careful footing is required where it traverses steep craggy slopes above the sea. The trail is indistinct in places but marked with occasional posts. The ascent of Garbh Choireachan is steep and pathless. Up on its crest some exposed grade 1 scrambling can be pieced together, though it's mostly optional (paths outflank the best bits). The other summits of the massif are easier going, though care is needed descending the narrow east ridge of Speicein Coinnich. The final few km are on a decent 4WD track.
Seasonal variations:
The ridges of Garbh Choireachan and Speicein Coinnich qualify as grade I winter routes in hard winter conditions. These are relatively unusual though, given the hill's maritime position and low altitude.
Weather and Hill Conditions: mwis: Northwest Highlands – Met Office: West Highlands
Public transport:
Scotbus no.811 from Ullapool to Achiltibuie; get out at Strathcanaird
Maps:
OS Explorer 439 (1:25,000), OS Landranger 19 (1:50,000), OS Landranger 15 (1:50,000) Directory Listings:
Find more Listings near this route Tourist info:
Ullapool (0845 22 55 121); Lochinver (0845 22 55 121)
Further Routes
by Dan Bailey UKH
- Bynack More 19 Oct, 2023
- Beinn a' Mhuinidh 4 Oct, 2023
- Loch Ossian round - Seven Munros by Train 15 Sep, 2023
- Beinn Dronaig - 30km of Solitude 23 Aug, 2023
- Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil 8 Aug, 2023