Corbett · North-West Highlands
Fuar Tholl
Fuar Tholl is the great hooked Corbett above Achnashellach in Wester Ross, and arguably the most photogenic mountains on the railway line between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh. The north face is dominated by the Mainreachan Buttress — a serious rock-climbing objective famous for its long sandstone routes — and the summit ridge curves round above it in a distinctive hook visible from miles down Glen Carron. At 907m it lies within striking distance of Munro height — frustratingly so for the local folklore — and earns its place as a fine hill day in its own right rather than a Munro consolation.
Quick facts
- Height
- 907m/ 2976ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 950 m
- Time
- 5–8 hrs
- Grid ref
- NG975489
- Parking
- NH004483
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 69km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
railway path 15% · stalkers path 25% · rocky ridge 40% · summit scramble 20%
The standard route starts from Achnashellach railway station. Walk back along the A890 a short distance, then take the forestry track north into Coire Lair, climbing through ancient Caledonian pine. At the open mouth of the corrie the path branches: take the south-easterly stalkers' line up onto the broad south-east ridge, then follow the ridge north-west over slabby sandstone to the summit cairn perched above the Mainreachan cliffs. Return by the same route, or descend west into Coire Lair if conditions allow. Allow 7–8 hours.
Terrain
Good stalkers' paths in the lower corrie. Above the bealach the terrain is rough sandstone slab and quartzite blocks — sound underfoot but slippery in the wet. The summit is small and exposed, sitting directly above the Mainreachan Buttress; keep clear of the north edge in poor visibility.
In winter
In hard winter Fuar Tholl is a serious objective with the Mainreachan face holding ice routes and the summit ridge fully exposed. Standard walker's route needs full winter kit and care on the slabby upper sandstone, where verglas forms readily. The approach through Coire Lair gives good visibility of conditions on the cliffs before you commit.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 43m
- Edinburgh4h 10m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal on the hill; intermittent EE/Vodafone at Achnashellach station and along the A890 near Strathcarron
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:34
- Sunset
- 22:04
- Civil dawn
- 03:31
- Civil dusk
- 23:08
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Fuar Tholl.
Around Fuar Tholl on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Fuar Tholl — common questions
- How hard is Fuar Tholl?
- Fuar Tholl is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 950m of ascent and takes most walkers 5-8 hours. Terrain: Good stalkers' paths in the lower corrie.
- Where do I park for Fuar Tholl?
- Standard parking is at NH004483 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Fuar Tholl?
- The standard good-weather months for Fuar Tholl are May, June, July, August, September. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Fuar Tholl?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Fuar Tholl?
- No signal on the hill; intermittent EE/Vodafone at Achnashellach station and along the A890 near Strathcarron
- Is Fuar Tholl safe in winter?
- In hard winter Fuar Tholl is a serious objective with the Mainreachan face holding ice routes and the summit ridge fully exposed. Standard walker's route needs full winter kit and care on the slabby upper sandstone, where verglas forms readily. The approach through Coire Lair gives good visibility of conditions on the cliffs before you commit.