UKH

Heading to the West Coast of Scotland in a couple of weeks and will be spending time in the area between Fort William and Ullapool, possible slightly further north too.  Won't be taking the climbing gear as I'll be flying solo but plan to get a few challenging mountain walks or scrambles in whilst I'm there.

Can anyone recommend some interesting walks (e.g exposed ridgy type walks) or long scrambles (grade 1-3) that might be worth checking out in this area?

Have always fancied Liathach so perhaps a recommendation for there?  Want to stay away from Skye and also Ben Nevis and Glencoe areas as I have already spent a lot of time on various winter climbing and scrambling routes round there and rather fancy exploring areas I've never been to before.

I recall good scrambling heading up the north side of Garbh Bheinn (Ardgour) when walking the round of Coire Iubhair 20 odd years ago

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/542808

Am Farasinen pinnacles as part of a walk across Liathach.

Buy the excellent SMC Guides, Highland Scrambles North and South for a lifetime's worth of recommendations?

Consider buying the Highlands North Scramble Guide, but if you haven't been outwith of Skye theres a lot to do without having to think to hard.

Left field suggestion would be Rum if the weathers good, good traverse and the bird (eagle) restrictions on the Barkeval scrambling will not be in place.

Kintail:

Forcan Ridge

South Shiel Ridge, or  for a shorter day up Aonach air Chrith's N ridge and round to Sgurr Coire na Feinne

Staying Torridon'ish and trying to add twists to well know outings:

On Liathach approach via the Northern Pinnacles, and then do the main traverse (backwards i.e. going east). Or the Northern pinnacles are worthy of a day on their own.

Beinn Allign (of course), can't think of 'twist in summer though, unless approaching over Beinn Dearg

Beinn Eighe going over the Black Carls

Faur Tholl via Leth Chreag over Sgorr Ruadh and back by Beinn Liath Mhor

Moving North:

For remoteness Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair via Sgurr Dubh approaching by the quartzite slabs.

Possibly finishing your time in the NW with the glory of the An Teallach Traverse

But personally if the weathers good at the end of your trip and your already 'north',  I'd blast all the way up to Foinaven and do the Ganu slabs followed by the traverse, at this time of year you might get the whole mountain to yourself. Not quite as good as doing it in winter (but not the slabs) not another soul in sight, after the northern lights playing the night before, neve covering the ankle twisting summer quartzite,  without a single footstep in the snow and fighter jets passing below.....it was a terrible day!

If you've not done them before (or even if you have) you couldn't do better than a few days on the classic mainland ridges, weather permitting - and these Route Cards should be all the info you need:

Liathach: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=89

An Teallach: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=82

Forcan Ridge: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=72

Aonach Eagach (plus a bit): https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=73

Easier but no less good a day out, Beinn Alligin https://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=591

For the more obscure, more involved scrambles, of which there are scores, the two SMC guides would be worth buying. We reviewed Highland Scrambles South recently: https://www.ukhillwalking.com/gear/publications/guidebooks/highland_scrambl...

Wow thanks everyone, have checked out all of those routes and have plenty to go at now - probably enough for two or three trips!  Not sure I'll make it as far north as Foinaven but one for the future for sure.  Liathach is top priority but Forcan Ridge and An Teallach also looking good for this trip.

Will get hold of a copy of the SMC guides, good shout

Hi. You know where I could get good info o  the Ganu slabs? Did a 'google' but results lack detail or good photos.

Ta

It's in the SMC guide Highland Scrambles North: I've not seen it described anywhere else

What dates are you looking at? I'll be up there probably from this weekend for a week or so. Let me know if you're looking for a partner!

Only short scrambling sections but with views I think are unsurpassed in the UK: Suilven and Stac Pollaidh

Main Ridge Traverse (Grade-3)

Suilven - Caisteal Liath (summit)

If you fancy something a bit different, or the high hills are clagged in, then there are some fine scrambles on An Groban near Gairloch - details in the Scrambling Guide North.

http://climbing.me.uk/Achnasheen/An%20Groban/index.html

I first followed a mate up it 10-15 years ago...don't know where he got his info, but as mentioned above the Highlands North guide does cover it.

Stac pollaidh , Ben Dearg (torridon) , horns of alligin, an teallach,  northerly approach to Ben more assynt, forcan ridge, mullach fraoach coire. 

Oh and Arran too.

Apart from what's already been mentioned the traverse of Suilven is a nice day out and the hill and general area are stunning.

I really can't stress highly enough how stunning Assynt is.

Do check out some of the sandy beaches too whilst you are there. There is some stunning quiet coast line up that way.

Sssh! Don't tell everyone!