Hill: Fionn Bheinn
Date: Sunday 4th December 2016
Company: Myself, Becky and Cuillin
Distance: 9.4km, Ascent: 765m
Time: 3Hrs 55Mins


It was not our intention to head out walking on Sunday, however, on waking, checking out the forecasts and seeing "no wind, no rain, sunshine and 90% cloud-free Munros" there was no way we were staying at home! After quickly packing a rucksack, we were soon on our way out west. All we now needed was a plan!

On reaching Inverness, I decided to head towards Achanalt on the A832 for an ascent of An Cabar, a Sub2000ft Marilyn above Loch Fannich. However, on approaching Achanalt, I realised Fionn Bheinn was just a few miles further along the road. Presented with the choice of ascending a Sub2000ft Marilyn or a Munro, Becky opted for an ascent of the Munro. Good choice!

On arriving in Achnasheen, we got suited and booted and after speaking briefly with another walker commenced our ascent.

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

Having ascended Fionn Bheinn twice previously, in 1998 and 2011, I could not recall previously seeing a good quality track heading up the hill. We decided to make use of this new track which lies just to the west of the Allt Achadh na Sine.

Ascending the new hydro scheme track up Fionn Bheinn:


The good track, and trying to keep up with Becky, made for fast progress up the hill. There was nothing but blue sky in every direction .

Looking back to Achnasheen and across to Sgurr a' Mhuillin:


As suspected, the good track eventually came to an end at a small hydro scheme. The ground beyond the small hydro scheme soon brought back memories of previous ascents of Fionn Bheinn i.e. it's a wet hill! However, as the temperature was below zero and there was a hard frost, our ascent of Fionn Bheinn was fairly pleasant compared with what the ascent would have been like in above-zero temperatures.

Ascending Fionn Bheinn:


Seeing neighbouring Meall a' Chaorainn brought back memories of hearing the sound of a bullet whizz past me on the hill. Most likely a warning shot from some dickhead stalker for being on his estate.

Meall a' Chaorainn:


As we gained height, Slioch came into view. Slioch is a very recognisable hill due to its shapely toposcopey. I have climbed Slioch twice previously, in 1998 and 2007.

Slioch:


Ascending Fionn Bheinn:


Before long, views of Slioch were accompanied by views of Liathach and Beinn Eighe and soon thereafter a multitude of hills in Letterewe, Fisherfield and the Fannaichs.

Liathach and Beinn Eighe:


Becky and Cuillin:


We took our time during the final hundred metres of ascent as Becky was now slowing down owing to having raced up the initial hydro track.

Final ascent of Fionn Bheinn:


It was great to reach the summit and soak in the views. While Fionn Bheinn itself is not the most interesting of hills, it is an outstanding viewpoint.

Becky at the summit of Fionn Bheinn:


Becky and Cuillin at the summit of Fionn Bheinn:


Loch Fannich:


Looking towards Slioch, Letterewe and Fisherfield hills from the summit:


View from summit:


After taking lots of photos at the summit we made our way down a short distance and stopped for lunch.

Having a wee rest during the descent:


We then made our way back down the hill heading for the small hydro scheme to use its track in descent.

Well done to Becky on ascending her 9th Munro and 27th Marilyn of 2016.