A' Mhaighdean

One of two mountains (the other being Ruadh Stac Mor), among the remotest and least accessible in Scotland, which lie in the heart of the wilderness area of the Letterewe and Fisherfield forests. The chief attraction is their superb situation in a land of rocky mountains and lonely lochans and the feeling that the long walk required to reach them gives a strong sense of exploration in wild country. A'Mhaighdean has a fine profile when seen from the west, its south face buttresses and rocky north-west ridge rising steeply above the Dubh Loch. Ruadh Stac Mor is a typical sandstone mountain, with steep terraced cliffs round its western end.

The very long approach starts at Poolewe and goes along the private road beside the River Ewe to Inveran and Kernsary. Go along the track and path south-eastwards below Beinn Airigh Charr to the causeway between Fionn Loch and Dubh Loch. Continue past Carnmore round the north side of Dubh Loch, following the path east below Sgurr na Laocainn, and when it turns north-east leave it and make for the north-west ridge of A'Mhaighdean near Fuar Loch Beag. Climb this fine ridge to the summit. Descend north-east from A'Mhaighdean down grassy slopes to the col below Ruadh Stac Mor and climb the short steep slope to its summit. Return to the col and go north-west along a path on the north side of Fuar Loch Mor to join the stalker's path leading down to Carnmore and the long return to Poolewe.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)