NC0904 : Ben More Coigach
Strenuous; steep, airy mountain ridges

Ben More Coigach [Beinn Mhor na Coigich]

743m Elevation
655m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NC0904 : Ben More Coigach

Colin Smith Photo source

Overview

Ben More Coigach

Ben More Coigach, Beinn Mhòr na Còigich, is a 743.4 m Graham, Marilyn and Simm with 655 m prominence. Its summit windshelter is at NC 09398 04243. It is a different mountain from Ben More near Crianlarich, Ben More on Mull and Ben More Assynt.

The Culnacraig paired circuit

Start at NC061041, the roadside parking area before the descent to Culnacraig. The route crosses Allt nan Coisiche, climbs the western end of Garbh Choireachan and follows the rocky ridge before turning across the plateau to Ben More Coigach’s actual summit. It then curves around the bowl to the bealach and climbs Sgurr an Fhidhleir. Return directly southwest over the broad moorland ridge to the lower path, Culnacraig and the uphill road back to the same parking area.

Walkhighlands publishes 10.5 km, 870 m ascent and 5–7 hours for this two-summit route. These totals exclude the longer Beinn nan Caorach horseshoe, an eastern approach, any bus-stop road walk and the Postman’s Path. Summit-only variants need their own route plan and are not assigned the same totals.

Rock and name

BGS identifies Torridon Group sandstone and glacially sculpted bedrock. The name means “the big mountain of Coigach”; Coigach itself refers to a historic division of land into fifths. The spectacular ridge and the broader highest point are different parts of this mountain, so do not stop at the first ridge top and assume the summit is reached.

Terrain, access and care

The ascent is steep and exposed in places. Bypass paths avoid some harder rock steps, but this remains a serious mountain outing. The burn can become unsafe after rain; cliffs around the plateau and Sgurr an Fhidhleir demand care in mist or strong wind. Allow time for rough, partly pathless ground and the complete return.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve includes working crofted land. NatureScot’s access table, updated 1 September 2026 and checked 18 October 2026, publishes seasonal stalking information. Follow current local notices and reasonable land-manager advice, including any restoration works. A proposal for peatland restoration in 2026–27 does not by itself establish a current summit-route closure.

The coastal Postman’s Path once carried mail to Achiltibuie. SWT warns that this separate route is demanding and difficult in bad weather; it is not a convenient short return linking the western and eastern hill approaches.

Travel and facilities

Service 811 serves the Achiltibuie/Badenscallie area, rather than the Culnacraig start. Confirm the relevant timetable and a workable return arrangement; the additional road walk is not included in the mountain distance. Achiltibuie has a stores and post office, but bring supplies and do not rely on toilets or refreshments at the parking area or on the hill.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir from Culnacraig

Start and finish at the roadside parking area NC061041 before Culnacraig. Walk downhill towards the houses, follow the fence-side path and cross Allt nan Coisiche where conditions allow. Climb the steep western end of Garbh Choireachan and traverse its sandstone ridge, using the north-side bypasses where appropriate. Continue onto the broader plateau and turn towards Ben More Coigach’s summit windshelter at NC 09398 04243. Descend initially southeast and curve around the bowl to the bealach below Sgurr an Fhidhleir; climb its grassy, stony flank. Return directly southwest over the broad moorland ridge, picking up the lower path to Culnacraig, then follow the road uphill to the same parking area. Walkhighlands gives 10.5 km, 870 m ascent and 5–7 hours for this paired circuit. The extra Beinn nan Caorach horseshoe, Postman’s Path and eastern approaches are excluded.

10.5 km Strenuous; steep, airy mountain ridges
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

743m

2,439 ft

Prominence

655m

Coordinates

57.9865, -5.2257

NC093042

OS Map

15

Explorer: 439W

At the Summit

DoBIH records a windshelter at NC 09398 04243 on the broad summit area, with a surveyed height of 743.4 m. The rocky Garbh Choireachan ridge and Sgurr an Fhidhleir are separate points and should not be mistaken for this summit.

Terrain & Geology

Faint moorland paths a burn crossing very steep rocky ascent and a narrow sandstone ridge. Some rocky steps have bypass paths followed by broad but rough upper ground and a partly pathless moorland descent.

Ben More Coigach is formed of Torridon Group sandstone. BGS fieldwork describes glacially sculpted bedrock on its flanks; the summit ridges and stepped rock are not predominantly quartzite scree.

Views & Scenery

The ridge and summit area overlook Loch Broom and the Summer Isles. An Teallach, the Fannichs and the mountains of Coigach and Assynt are visible in clear weather. Sgurr an Fhidhleir provides a separate viewpoint on the paired circuit.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Beinn Mhòr na Còigich means “the big mountain of Coigach”. The regional name Coigach means “place of fifths”, referring to an old form of land division.

Historical Significance

The mountain stands within the crofted and wild landscape of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Ben Mor Coigach reserve. The separate Postman’s Path along the coast formerly carried mail to and from Achiltibuie; that history belongs to the coastal route, not to a summit path.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Use the parking area on the north side of the minor road before it descends to Culnacraig, NC061041, for the described circuit. The turning area at the road end is not the stated parking start. Keep passing places, gates and residents’ access clear; no parking fee is verified.

Public Transport

Service 811 links Ullapool with the Achiltibuie/Badenscallie area, but there is no bus to the listed Culnacraig start. Walkhighlands places Badenscallie about 4 km away. Check the operator’s date-specific timetable, request-stop conditions and last return before planning: do not assume the full mountain circuit fits between buses. Any extra road approach is outside the route totals.

Nearby Facilities

Achiltibuie has a stores and post office. Check current opening and bring food and water for the mountain. No café, public toilet or other serviced facility is verified at the Culnacraig parking area or on the summit route.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Allt nan Coisiche can be difficult or unsafe to cross in spate; do not force the crossing.
  • Garbh Choireachan is steep and airy, with rocky steps and serious drops. Wet rock, strong wind and ice increase risk even when bypass paths are used.
  • Cliffs border the upper plateau and Sgurr an Fhidhleir. Stay back from edges and use careful navigation in poor visibility.
  • The descent is rough and partly pathless before the lower path. Carry independent navigation and allow enough daylight for the full return.
  • Follow current stalking, crofting and restoration-work notices, keep gates and access clear, and avoid disturbing livestock or wildlife.
  • The Postman’s Path is a separate demanding coastal mountain walk, not an easy shortcut back from an eastern approach.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

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Location

Ben More Coigach [Beinn Mhor na Coigich] location map

Grid reference: NC093042

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