Sgùrr nan Clach Geala

Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, at 1,093 metres, is widely regarded as the finest of the Fannichs, the second highest of the group behind Sgùrr Mòr, with an impressive east-facing corrie and pointed buttresses that give it real character among these otherwise rounded hills.

The route starts from a parking area just past forestry plantations off the A832, south-west of Braemore junction. A track leads past a barrier towards Loch a' Bhraoin, signed for long-distance routes to Kinlochewe and Loch Fannich, before a path branches off through forestry and down to a bridge over the loch's outflow. Beyond, a stalkers' path and then a boggy ATV track lead to a bridge over the Allt Breabaig, avoiding a difficult ford, before continuing south then south-east across increasingly boggy ground towards the ridge.

The most popular ascent climbs first onto neighbouring Meall a' Chrasgaidh, before a rising traverse leads to a lochan on the bealach known as Am Biachdaich ("the place of the fattening," named for its rich grazing), from where the elegant, domed peak of Sgùrr Mòr is often reflected in the water. From the col, the ridge climbs, broad at first but soon narrowing to a fine crest with huge sweeping crags to the left — one of the most enjoyable sections of the entire Fannichs — curving round several undulations before reaching the trig point on the summit.

Most walkers continue south along the connecting ridge to Sgùrr nan Each, sharp in places with some minor scrambling, before returning via the Allt Breabaig valley.

The combined round taking in Meall a' Chrasgaidh, Sgùrr nan Clach Geala, and Sgùrr nan Each from the A832 layby is a full day, typically seven to nine hours; the ultimate epic challenge extends this to a traverse of all nine Fannichs Munros.

The approach and descent involve pathless and steep terrain, with good going on the ridges themselves but boggy ground lower down — full navigation skills are essential given the remote, complex terrain, particularly around the col at the head of the Allt Breabaig valley.

The A832 layby is free; there is no public transport directly to the start.