Mam Sodhail

Carn Eighe and Mam Sodhail are almost identical twins and the highest mountains north of the Great Glen. They stand side by side at the ends of two long ridges on the north side of Glen Affric between Loch Affric and Loch Mullardoch. To the north of Carn Eighe another long ridge goes out towards the west end of Loch Mullardoch, and near its end is Beinn Fhionnlaidh, a very inaccessible mountain, unless one approaches by boat along the loch. This is undoubtedly the easiest way to climb Beinn Fhionnlaidh, the alternative being to include it as part of the traverse of Mam Sodhail and Carn Eighe, thereby making a very long day out.

Start the traverse from the carpark at the end of the public road in Glen Affric. Walk 1 kilometre west towards Affric Lodge and take the stalker's path north over the moor to Gleann nam Fiadh. Go up that glen for 2 kilometres and follow the stalker's path north-west into the corrie below Sron Garbh, one of Carn Eighe's eastern tops. Reach the ridge at the col north-east of this top and traverse over it and two more minor tops to reach Carn Eighe. Descend the north ridge and at its end reach Beinn Fhionnlaidh. Return to Carn Eighe and traverse south-west to Mam Sodhail. The return to Loch Affric may be made down the stalker's path in Coire Leachavie, or alternatively traverse the very long ridge which leads from Mam Sodhail to Sgurr na Lapaich, and from there go south-east then east to regain the stalker's path used on the outward route.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)