Loch a' Bhraoin, Sron na Goibhre, A' Chailleach, Toman Coinnich and Sgurr Breac Loop

This is a big, airy circuit in the western Fannichs that links Loch a’ Bhraoin with the broad ridge of Sròn na Goibhre and the high tops of A’ Chailleach, Toman Coinnich and Sgùrr Breac. Expect roughly 18 km / 11.2 miles with about 1,000 m / 3,280 ft of ascent, though some published versions come out a little shorter or steeper depending on the exact line taken; a commonly used route for just Sgùrr Breac and A’ Chailleach is listed at 16 km / 10 miles with 1,127 m / 3,698 ft of ascent. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The start is on the A832 southwest of Braemore Junction, at a small lay-by beside the gated track signed for Loch a’ Bhraoin, Kinlochewe and Loch Fannich. The nearest clear landmark is Braemore Junction, near Corrieshalloch Gorge, Loch Broom, Garve IV23 2AB, with the lay-by about 0.8 km / 0.5 mile southwest of that junction. Walkhighlands gives the start as grid reference NH163761. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The opening section is straightforward and relatively gentle. From the lay-by, the route follows the estate track toward Loch a’ Bhraoin, then turns through forestry to cross the outflow by bridge. This early stretch gives a useful warm-up before the hill steepens, and it also helps you gauge conditions underfoot; if the lower ground is already saturated, the higher peat shelves and descent line are likely to be slow as well. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the terrain is really like

This is best thought of as a mountain circuit with two very different personalities. The middle of the day is classic high-ridge walking on broad crests and open plateaus, but the approach and descent can be much rougher. Walkhighlands describes the terrain as steep and soggy on the climb toward Toman Coinnich, followed by good ridge walking, with a very steep, pathless and boggy descent from A’ Chailleach that becomes awkward in poor visibility. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

After the bridge, the route climbs the nose of Leitir Fhearna toward Sròn na Goibhre. The first serious ascent is where the effort begins: wet ground, intermittent path, peat hags and some rocky steps that are not technical but can be slippery. Once higher up, the ridge eases and opens out. The broad shoulder toward Toman Coinnich is often the first place where the views suddenly expand, with Loch a’ Bhraoin behind and the corries of the western Fannichs ahead. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

From Toman Coinnich, the route usually swings southeast to Sgùrr Breac first. This section is around 2 km / 1.2 miles each way from the top, with a descent to the bealach and then a steady re-ascent over glacially stepped ground. The summit area of Sgùrr Breac is broad enough that in mist it can feel less obvious than expected, so careful line-checking on HiiKER is worthwhile before leaving the top. Walkhighlands notes that the true summit is beyond the first cairn on the rise. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Returning over Toman Coinnich, the traverse west to A’ Chailleach is usually the more enjoyable ridge section. It is broad, high and exposed rather than narrow, with a strong sense of space and long views toward Loch Fannich, An Teallach and the Fisherfield hills when the weather is clear. The final rise to A’ Chailleach is not especially technical, but after the out-and-back to Sgùrr Breac it can feel more tiring than it looks on the map. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Navigation and route-finding

Although the difficulty is often estimated as medium, this is a serious Highland hill day because the route is long, exposed and only intermittently pathed. In clear weather the ridges are fairly readable, but in cloud the broad tops around Toman Coinnich and Sg