Sgùrr Mòr

Sgùrr Mòr, at 1,110 metres, is the shapely, pointed highest peak of the Fannichs, a magnificent ridge-walking range south-east of Ullapool, its dome-like summit dominating views across the group.

The route starts from a small parking area just north of Torrandhu bridge on the A835, with a Met Office weather station nearby. A signposted path leads briefly east along the road before crossing the bridge, then a track climbs through forestry before emerging and crossing further bridges over the Abhainn an Torrain Dubh. Beyond, the approach continues across rugged, boggy moorland — the price paid for reaching this fine ridge — before climbing steeply up Sgùrr Mòr's south ridge to the summit. The view is very extensive, with Sgùrr nan Clach Geala looking impressive close at hand and An Teallach commanding the skyline to the north-west.

The descent retraces the south ridge briefly before continuing down a slope eroded into a series of terraces by solifluction during the last ice age, leading to a bealach and the minor summit of Meall nan Peithirean, with excellent views north into rocky, lochan-filled corries. The route then continues to Meall Gorm and An Coileachan, the third and fourth Munros of the classic eastern Fannichs traverse.

The full eastern Fannichs round — Sgùrr Mòr, Meall Gorm, and An Coileachan, sometimes with Beinn Liath Mhòr Fannaich as a fourth — from Torrandhu is a substantial day, typically eight to ten hours, with a notably rugged and boggy approach and an often pathless, very long return from An Coileachan.

The connecting bealach below Sgùrr Mòr can be very difficult to locate in mist, over steep, stony, and loose terrain — full navigation skills are essential, and the boggy moorland approach demands appropriate footwear regardless of conditions higher up.

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