Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich

Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich, at 953 metres, is often climbed as the first Munro of an extended eastern Fannichs traverse, its cairn towards the western end of a small plateau by rocky outcrops.

The route starts from Torrandhu on the A835, following the same approach used for the main eastern Fannichs group before diverging towards the minor summit of Creag Dhubh Fannaich, marked by a small cairn — the view here extends back over Loch Glascarnoch, with the day's remaining Munros looking impressive above lochan-filled corries ahead. Continuing across a broad bealach, the ascent of Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich itself climbs a mixture of grass and boulders to the summit, with a good view opening west over Loch a' Mhadaidh and the prominent dome-like summit of Sgùrr Mòr towering to its left.

From here, the route descends towards the bealach shared with Sgùrr Mòr — the intervening ground can be very difficult to locate in misty conditions, with steep, stony, and very loose terrain. It's generally recommended to descend slightly north of west from the summit for a short distance before meeting a stalkers' path that cuts across the west side of the mountain, avoiding the worst of the loose ground.

Combined with Sgùrr Mòr, Meall Gorm, and An Coileachan, the full extended eastern Fannichs traverse from Torrandhu is a long, demanding day, typically nine to eleven hours or more given the additional summit and the rugged, boggy terrain throughout.

The connecting ground to Sgùrr Mòr is genuinely hazardous in poor visibility, with loose, steep terrain that demands full concentration — this extended round is a serious undertaking best reserved for good weather and confident navigators.

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