An Stac, Rois Bheinn, Bealach an Fhiona and Sgurr na Ba Glaise and Druim Fiachlach Loop

This is a big, serious mountain circuit through the rough heart of the Rois-bheinn group in Moidart, with around 19 km / 11.8 miles of walking and roughly 1,500 m / 4,920 ft of ascent. Although the distance is not extreme by Highland standards, the combination of steep climbs, long ridge travel, rough ground, exposure to weather, and a committing feel makes it a genuinely difficult day. The route links several notable tops—Druim Fiachlach, Sgùrr na Bà Glaise, Rois-bheinn, and An Stac—on a wild horseshoe above Roshven, with wide views over Loch Ailort, Loch Moidart, the Small Isles, and the sea on a clear day. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The usual start is near Roshven Farm, close to the hamlet of Roshven on the south side of Loch Ailort, west of Lochailort on the A861. That is the nearest clear landmark associated with this circuit and the normal access point for the Rois-bheinn round. The approach uses estate and hydro tracks before the route turns into a much more mountainous outing. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Early on, expect a relatively straightforward track approach that helps cover ground quickly, but do not let that lull you into underestimating the day. Once the route leaves the lower tracks and gains the open hill, the terrain becomes much more demanding: steep grassy slopes, sections of boggier ground around bealachs, intermittent paths, and long ridge sections where progress can be slower than the map suggests. The ridge to Druim Fiachlach gives the first real sense of height and exposure, and from there the route develops into a fine high-level traverse toward Sgùrr na Bà Glaise, then across Bealach an Fhiona to Rois-bheinn, before the out-and-back or looping extension to An Stac. (getlostmountaineering.co.uk)

Terrain and what to expect

The character of the walk changes several times. The lower section is usually the easiest underfoot, following track and clearer trods. Higher up, the route becomes a classic rough Highland mountain day: narrow ridge sections, steep ascents and descents, and stretches where the path is faint or braided. The descent to and from Bealach an Fhiona is one of the key effort points on the circuit, because it breaks the ridge and forces a substantial re-ascent. The climb onto Rois-bheinn is steep but rewarding, and the continuation toward An Stac adds another rugged, more isolated-feeling summit to the day. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

In dry, settled weather, the route is a magnificent ridge expedition. In mist, it becomes much more serious. The broad upland sections can be confusing, and the descents from the bealachs need care, especially on wet grass. Strong winds can make the ridge uncomfortable, and low cloud can make it difficult to identify the correct lines between tops. For navigation, careful advance planning with HiiKER is strongly recommended. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Because the total ascent is around 1,500 m / 4,920 ft, pacing matters. Even strong hikers should allow a full day, with extra time if visibility is poor or if the ground is wet. This is not a route to underestimate late in the day, as the final descent can still feel long and awkward after the main summits are done.

Landmarks, scenery, and natural interest

One of the great strengths of this loop is the variety of viewpoints. Druim Fiachlach and Sgùrr na Bà Glaise give expansive outlooks over the broken, lochan-studded interior of Moidart, while Rois-bheinn is one of the finest viewpoints in the district, with sea lochs, islands, and remote peninsulas spread out in multiple directions. The ridge walls and old hill structures seen in places are reminders that these hills were once worked and crossed more actively than their present-day remoteness suggests. (getlostmountaineering.co.uk)

The area is part of the dramatic west Highland landscape shaped by ancient geology, glaciation, and Atlantic weather. Expect rocky knolls, peatier hollows, heather moor, and rough grassland, with crags breaking the skyline around some of the steeper summit approaches. In summer, the lower slopes can be bright with heather and bog plants;