NH1627 : View to the head of Gleann nam Fiadh from Tom a' Chòinich

Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]

1,113m Elevation
150m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NH1627 : View to the head of Gleann nam Fiadh from Tom a' Chòinich

Nigel Brown Photo source

Overview

Tom a' Choinnich: An Overview

Tom a' Choinnich may not be the highest of the Munros, but at 922 meters, it has enough character to keep any hiker on their toes. Nestled in the stunning Scottish Highlands, this mountain is notorious for its ever-changing weather, so pack a jacket, even if it’s sunny when you start.

Geology

The mountain is primarily granite, adorned with schist in lower areas, creating a striking visual and tactile diversity on your ascent. The rocky outcrops are not just pretty; they reveal the geological history of the area, having been sculpted by glacial action over thousands of years.

Routes

The most popular route begins at the Strathfarrar estate. It’s about a 14.5 km round trip that can take around 5.5 hours to complete. The path winds sedately through delightful glens and offers a manageable climb. Just a heads-up: the terrain has its moments. In true Highland fashion, expect a mix of soft grassy paths and the odd rocky scramble.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you’re greeted by a classic trig point and a cairn, perfect for adding a little sense of achievement to your selfies. Don’t forget to take in the view—there’s something extraordinary about standing atop the world.

Views

From the top, you’ll feast your eyes on sweeping panoramas that stretch across the Fannichs and beyond. The finest seasons for views are spring and early autumn when the skies are crisp, and the colours are majestic. Who knows, if the sky is clear enough, you might even catch a glimpse of Loch Ness!

Hazards

While this Munro isn’t the steepest of climbs, it’s essential to be cautious. The terrain can be uneven and off-putting to those in inappropriate footwear. Keep an eye on the weather as it can change faster than you can say ‘tartan’, turning a pleasant hike into something more memorable (and by memorable, I mean wet).

Access

Parking at Strathfarrar requires a permit, so be sure to organise that before you head out. Public transport is an option to Beauly, but a taxi will likely be needed from there to the estate. Remember, it’s less about driving to the mountain and more about embarking on a mini-adventure unto itself.

Facilities

Aside from your trusty backpack, facilities are limited on the hill, but Beauly offers a selection of cafes and shops to prepare for your excursion. No need to bring your own tea and biscuits!

History

The name Tom a' Choinnich in Gaelic speaks of its historical significance, with a translation that hints at local smithing traditions. It’s not just a pretty face; this mountain has a tale or two to tell about the echoes of the past.

So, lace up your boots, grab your trusty walking stick (or a friend for that matter), and let Tom a' Choinnich welcome you to one of Scotland's majestic Munros. Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]

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

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

Beinn Eighe Lancaster Wreckage at Coire Mhic Fhearchair

16 km ~6h Hard

View route

Banavie to Glen Loy Aqueduct: Neptune’s Staircase Canal Towpath

13.3 km ~4h Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

From Strathfarrar

A scenic route beginning at the Strathfarrar estate, winding through picturesque glens and featuring a mix of soft paths and rocky terrain.

14.5 km ~5.5 hours Moderate
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Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Munro Simm High Hills of Britain Submarilyn

Elevation

1,113m

3,651 ft

Prominence

150m

Coordinates

57.2996, -5.0490

NH164273

OS Map

25

Explorer: 415

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point and a well-established cairn, making it a fine spot for a photo op and a cheeky picnic if the weather permits.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky grassy and occasional boggy sections so shoes with good grip are advisable (no flip-flops please).

Primarily composed of granite, with some schist in the lower regions, offering a varied landscape with rugged outcrops and smooth glacial deposits.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the surrounding peaks such as Sgurr na Ruaidhe and Fannichs, and on a clear day, you might even see Loch Ness squinting back at you.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Tom a' Choinnich translates to 'Hill of the place of the Smith,' pointing to its historical significance.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been a hunting ground and is steeped in local folklore, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Strathfarrar estate entrance; however, you may need a permit to park here, so plan ahead!

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Inverness to Beauly; however, a taxi service may be required for the last leg to the estate.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are limited in the immediate vicinity. The nearest town, Beauly, has cafes and toilets, but out on the mountain, you'll need to embrace nature, if you catch my drift.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be uneven and boggy—watch where you step! Sudden weather changes can also occur.

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 Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]?

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 Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich] search or of course create your own walk for Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]

Can I organise a walk to Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]?

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 Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich].

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 Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich]?

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 Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich] 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

Tom a' Choinnich [Tom a' Choinich] location map

Grid reference: NH164273

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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