Off to Scotland for a traverse of one of the classic mountain ridges in the Glen Shiel area of the Western Highlands and there's even a Munro as a bonus :-)
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Forcan Ridge, Glen
Shiel - Western Highlands
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Grade:2
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Overview: A classic Scottish ridge
scramble through classic mountain scenery.
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Equipment: No equipment required under
normal conditions.
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On line map
link
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Views: 3
Technicality: 1 -
Exposure: 1 - 2
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GIBBER FACTOR*
*out of
five.
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Overview This week we take you back to Scotland with a ridge
scramble that brings memories of the classic Two Ronnies sketch
flooding back - it's the Forcan Ridge.
The ascent towards The Saddle from Glen Shiel unfolds from its
hiding place behind the A' Mhuing Ridge to dominate the Glen, and
makes an ideal foray north of the border for relative beginers and
experienced scramblers alike.
Starting from the stalkers path on the A 87 the route offers
plenty of escape routes in its early stages, though once past the
summit of Sgurr na Forcan you join a knife edge ridge with no escape
until you reach the bealach below the summit of The Saddle.
Approach Starting from the A87 at
NG
968 143 an obvious path strikes out up the east ridge
of Meallan Odhar before swinging right towards Biod an Fhithich,
where the route up the ridge to Sgurr na Forcan comes into full view.
After the 1500 ft climb this makes a fine rest spot to take a few
minutes break before heading south west onto the start of the
ridge.
Route - The early sections of the ridge start out over grass with
isolated outcrops offering a choice of difficulty. The ridge levels
out temporarily before rearing upwards in an unbroken line towards
the summit.
The path here is wide and obvious, and the scrambler has a choice
of line. As the main path heads right and contours below the ridge
crest the ideal line follows the crest itself. The route is pretty
straightforward, though an occasional block to negotiate making
things interesting, with stunning views down to Loch Duich and Shiel
Bridge.
As you approach the 3000ft contour an optional knife edge ridge
heads south - south east towards Bealach Coire Mhagalain. Eventually
the ridge brongs you to the summit of Sgurr na Forcan, from
where a tricky 35ft descent is required if you choose to take the
classic line. Alternatively an easier option is to take a gully on
the left hand side before regaining the ridge.
The ridge now keeps its narrow profile, with easier options
available left where difficulties arise, but the ridge crest stays
firmly within its grade and should provide no further problems than
those previously encountered. Pass a minor top at 3150 ft then head
straight up to the Munro summit of The Saddle to complete a
satisfying scramble day.
From here you have the option of returning east - north east into
Coire Caol and the stalkers path at Bealach na Craoibhe or heading
south down to the bealach Coire Mhagalain and back to your start
point.
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.
