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Fiacaill Ridge, Cairngorm - East
Highlands
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Grade: 2
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With only 500ft of ascent this is not
the longest or hardest scramble in the Cairngorms, but its
position between Coire an-t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain
makes it something special.
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Equipment: Rope and protection
optional but not essential.
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Online Map link
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Views: 4
Technicality:1
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR* 2
*out of
five.
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Overview The Fiacaill Ridge is one of those scrambles that stands
out as much for its position as any other reason.
With only 500ft of ascent this is not the longest or hardest
scramble in the Cairngorms, but its position between Coire
an-t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain makes it something special.
Finally, the short walk in - by Scottish standards anyway - and a
finish on the top of the Cairngorm Plateau make this low end route
something special for everyone.
The ridge viewed from Coire an t'Sneachda - Scott
Approach From the car park at Coire Cas take the well defined
path south west towards Coire an-t-Sneachda and past the Fiachaill a'
Choire Chais. Cross the Allt an t-Sneachda and head for the ridge
between Coire an t-Sneachda and Coire an Lochain - The Fiacaill
Ridge.
Route The ridge starts easily enough over a mix of grass and
rock, with boulders becoming more dominant as you ascend. Around
700ft of easy ascent brings you to a minor top on the ridge and the
start of the real scrambling.
The name Fiacaill Ridge is often applied to the section between
this subsidiary top and the Cairngorn Plateau rather than the whole
ridge. From here the route starts off downhill at an easy angle on
solid rock, then turns uphill again.
Blocky scrambling in winter conditions - Old
Enough To Know Better
The scrambling is easy, with granite providing good grip underfoot
and handholds everywhere as you follow the ridge crest between the
ever deepening corries to either side.
At around half-height on the ridge the ground suddenly steepens
and the need for using hands increases. The best choice is to take
the ridge crest wherever possible, linking together problems and
moves as and where you choose, with easier ground generally available
to the right as an escape.
While there are no particular problem areas, or even over-exposed
manouevres the exposure from being high above the corries to either
side adds to the overall impact of the scramble.
On the summit plateau - Mark
Pillinger
After 500ft of ascent from the subsidiary top the ridge breaks
onto the wide expanse of the Cairngorm Plateau with Cairn Lochan just
a short amble off to the right.
Descent From the summit of Cairn Lochan you can continue to
join a descent path between Cairn Lochan and Lurcghers Crag, or
alternatively turn around and traverse the plateau to the summit of
Cairngorm itself. From here a choice of well used routes head back
down into the safety of Coire Cas.
Note In winter the whole area takes on a different complexion
altogether, and although the Fiacaill Ridge is only a short distance
from the safety of the Ski Centre even a simple descent to the car
park can turn into an epic struggle with driving snow and white-out
conditions.
Caution Scrambling is
potentially dangerous and, particularly at the higher grades,
requires technical skills and equipment to minimise the risk. We
suggest that you take professional instruction or climb with an
experienced partner.
andy_dt
