Fionn Bheinn above Achnasheen

Climbed by year and month

Climbed by year and month

Fionn Bheinn in Gaelic means the white hill, which given it didn't appear white or even pale leaves something of a mystery. Achnasheen is the anglicised name of the burn that comes down the side of Fionn Bheinn and runs through the village, which is - Allt Achadh na Sine.

The usual route of ascent follows on the east side of the Allt Achadh na Sine, unfortunately it is often described as a bog fest. To the west of the burn is a handy hydro scheme track, however, I found the gate at the bottom padlocked shut. So, to the bog fest. I can confirm. Even as the ground steepened what resemblance of path there was, was wet, boggy and squelchy.

The sun shone and it felt good.

Above the hydro dam the path was hard to follow in places, I relied on the GPS a little - a rarity for me, otherwise the destination was obvious.

I didn't push a pace, just plodded along. One foot in front of the other. At least I didn't get overtaken.

The views were superb. A cold wind rushed across the top forcing me to find a sheltered spot on the lee side of the summit to put on my down jacket. Swapped the 35mm lens for the lovely little Leica Tele-elmarit 90mm for that extra reach.

Before I left the summit I shoved my lunch into my windproof so I eat on the move. I had chilled down whilst taking photos and needed to move. I followed the Walkhighlands descent route, it wasn't popular. I saw few footprints. This too was wet in places and boggy. I joined a good stalkers path that took me towards Achnasheen plantation in a dead straight line for over 300m on a dry grassy slightly raised ridge. Peat bogs either side. A new hill track to the west was being bulldozed into Coire nan Laogh.