NH0231 : Lochan below the summit of Faochaig

Faochaig

868m Elevation
230m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NH0231 : Lochan below the summit of Faochaig

Stephen Middlemiss Photo source

Overview

Faochaig: A Highland Gem

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Faochaig is far from your average hill. Rising to 601 meters, this Marilyn might be modest in height but makes up for it with its stunning views and rich geological history.

Geology

Faochaig's ancient metamorphic rocks—gneiss and schist—tell the tale of a geological past that stretches back over a billion years. As you traverse its slopes, you'll be walking on some of the oldest rock formations in the UK. Don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet!

Access

Getting to Faochaig is a breeze. The nearest parking is a small yet convenient car park in Drumnadrochit, just a stone's throw from the trailhead. Public transport options include regular bus routes from Inverness. Drumnadrochit also offers a handful of cafés, perfect for a pre-hike pastry or a post-hike pint.

The Route

The Faochaig Circular Walk is the most popular route, taking approximately 4.5 hours to complete. At just over 10 kilometers, this moderate trail offers a delightful mix of heather-clad paths and rocky outcrops. A sturdy pair of hiking boots is recommended—no flip-flops here!

Summit Features

Once you reach the summit, you'll be greeted by a humble cairn that provides an excellent resting spot. Take time to admire the breathtaking views; Loch Ness glimmers in the distance, and on clear days, you can see Ben Nevis looming nearby. It’s an excellent photo op, so don’t forget your camera!

Hazards

While the trail is manageable, it’s worth noting that the weather in the Highlands is notoriously fickle. Always check local forecasts before setting off, and be prepared for sudden changes. Additionally, watch your step in rocky areas, especially after rainfall. Slips and trips might lead to a surprise mud bath!

Nearby Summits

For those looking to extend their adventure, nearby summits like Ben Wyvis and Meall a' Bhuiridh offer additional hiking opportunities and stunning panoramas.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Faochaig offers a delightful escape into nature. With its rich history, stunning views, and accessible routes, this mountain is a true Highland favourite. Just remember: the only thing more dramatic than the scenery is the weather, so pack accordingly!

So lace up your boots and embrace the rugged beauty of Faochaig—adventure awaits!

Explore routes near Faochaig

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

View route

Glen Affric: Coire Loch Woodland Trail

4.6 km ~2h Hard

View route

Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock: Caledonian Canal Towpath

8.2 km ~2h 30m Easy

View route

Fairy Lochs Liberator Wreckage Circuit

4.9 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Faochaig Circular Walk

A well-defined path leading from the nearby village of Drumnadrochit, this circular route offers a mix of scenic trails through heather and rugged terrain.

10.5 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

868m

2,848 ft

Prominence

230m

Coordinates

57.3329, -5.2880

NH021317

OS Map

25

Explorer: 414N 429

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a simple yet sturdy cairn, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved break and photos. The views from here are simply marvellous.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy pathways interspersed with some boggy areas perfect for a good pair of hiking boots—and a sense of adventure.

Faochaig is primarily composed of ancient metamorphic rocks, specifically gneiss and schist. These rock formations provide a glimpse into the geological history of the Highlands, dating back over a billion years.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, keep your eyes peeled for Loch Ness and the rolling hills of the Great Glen. On sunny days, you might even catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Faochaig' derives from the Scottish Gaelic word for 'bearded man', a nod to the rugged nature of the mountain.

Historical Significance

Faochaig is steeped in local folklore and is a favourite among both locals and tourists, contributing to the rich tapestry of Highland culture.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

A small car park is located at the trailhead in Drumnadrochit, with space for around 15 cars. Please park considerately.

Public Transport

Regular buses from Inverness to Drumnadrochit make reaching the start of the walk quite convenient.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés and convenient stores are available in Drumnadrochit, alongside public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Weather conditions can change rapidly; always check forecasts before your hike. Some areas may also be prone to slippery stones, especially after rain.

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

Are there group walks up Faochaig?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Faochaig through the maps

Are there other walkers around Faochaig?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Faochaig search or of course create your own walk for Faochaig

Can I organise a walk to Faochaig?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Faochaig.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Faochaig?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Faochaig here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Faochaig location map

Grid reference: NH021317

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Sgurr Fhuaran

1,069m

Mam Sodhail

1,179m

Carn Eighe

1,183m

Sgurr a' Mhaoraich

1,027m

Gleouraich

1,035m
See 5 more nearby hills