Am Faochagach

Am Faochagach, at 953 metres, is a rounded, undistinguished Munro on the vast rolling moorlands north of Loch Glascarnoch, its main challenge lying not in the ascent itself but in a boggy approach and a notoriously tricky river crossing.

The route starts from a small parking area just north of Torrandhu bridge on the A835. The first section crosses extremely boggy moorland before reaching the Abhainn a' Gharbhrain — a river crossing that will always mean wet feet, and can become dangerous or impossible in wet periods, with crocs or similar footwear recommended for the crossing itself. Beyond, a rough path on the northern bank skirts the base of a moraine before climbing beside the Allt na h-Uidhe, crossing a more ancient built path before continuing over grass and heather, with a couple of boulder beds adding interest higher up. After a broad dome at 844 metres and a slight dip, the route climbs again to a shoulder where a ridge joins from Meall Gorm, with just a short 50-metre final ascent to the summit.

Am Faochagach has two cairns close together, the higher at 953 metres. The distant panoramas are very extensive, though the flat summit robs them of some depth — Suilven and Seana Bhràigh with its dramatic Creag an Duine top are both well seen, and Beinn Dearg dominates the view, best appreciated by walking a short distance west to reveal the drama of Coire Ghranda, with An Teallach visible over its shoulder.

An alternative route avoiding the notorious river crossing starts from the Loch Glascarnoch dam, following the loch's northern shore before climbing the mountain's south-eastern slopes — a longer but considerably drier approach, and one that can be extended into a fine circular route taking in Cona' Mheall's southern shoulder scramble.

The out-and-back route from Torrandhu is typically five to seven hours; the Loch Glascarnoch dam approach is somewhat longer.

The river crossing is the defining hazard of the standard route and can become genuinely dangerous in spate, in which case following the river north to find an easier crossing point near Loch a' Gharbhrain, or using the Loch Glascarnoch dam approach instead, are both safer options.

Parking at Torrandhu or the Loch Glascarnoch dam is free; there is a regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness passing on the A835.