Sgurr nan Each

Infobox Mountain
Name = Sgurr nan Each
Photo = Sgurr_nan_Each.jpg
Caption = Sgurr nan Each from Sgurr nan Clach Geala, 2 km to the north.
Elevation = 923 m (3,028 ft)
Location = Ross and Cromarty, Highland SCO
Range = Fannichs, Northwest Highlands
Prominence = 108 m
Topographic
OS "Landranger" 20, OS "Explorer" 436
Grid_ref_UK = NH184697
Listing = Munro
Translation = “Peak of the Horses”
Language = Gaelic
Pronunciation = s̪kuːrˠ nə ɲɛx

Sgurr nan Each is a Scottish Mountain situated in the group of hills known as the Fannichs, it is located 27 kilometres south of the town of Ullapool in the Ross and Cromarty district of the Highland council area.

Overview

Sgurr nan Each is not an easy mountain to view from any main road being set in the interior of the Fannichs with lines of sight often blocked by the other nine Munros in the group. It overlooks Loch Fannich and reaches a height of 923 metres (3028 feet) making it the 266th highest Munro [http://www.scottishsport.co.uk/walking/munrolist1.htm www.scottishsport.co.uk.] Lists Munros in height order.] . Its name originates from the Gaelic language and translates as “Peak of the Horses”"The Munros" Page 206 (Gives translation as “Peak of the Horses“).] .

Geography

Sgurr nan Each stands on a spur that goes south off the main Fannichs ridge. This ridge which is scalloped and steep on its eastern side also contains the adjoining and higher Munro of Sgurr nan Clach Geala which stands two kilometres to the north. The two mountains are joined by a ridge which is sharp in places and provides some minor scrambling and has a low point of 815 metres. Sgurr nan Each falls away abruptly on its eastern flanks with crags in places to the valley of the Allt a’ Choire Mhòir. To the west the slopes are grassy and moderate down to the 700 metre contour before falling abruptly to the head of Loch Fannich. To the south the ridge continues over the subsidiary top of Sgurr a’ Chadha Dheirg (866 metres) before dropping down to the shores of Loch Fannich.

All drainage from the mountain goes south to Loch Fannich to find its way to the Cromarty Firth via the rivers Grudie and Conon. Geologically the mountain is made up of the metamorphic rock schist with infusions of mica and quartz [http://gdl.cdlr.strath.ac.uk/smcj/smcj030/smcj03001.htm The geology of the Scottish mountains.] Gives geology information.] . The mountain lies within the Fannich Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation because of its profusion of bogs, marshes and water fringed vegetation although the area is primarily managed as a deer forest and herds can be regularly seen in the corries and on the lower slopes of the mountain [http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/commissioned_reports/Report%20No189.pdf Scottish Natural Heritage.] Info on Fannich Hills SSSI and SAC.] .

Ascents

Sgurr nan Each is regarded as one the minor peaks of the Fannichs, therefore it is invariably climbed in junction with other hills of the group. The most popular ascent is from the north, starting at a lay by on the A832 road at grid reference gbm4ibx|NH162760. This route climbs the Munros of Meall a' Chrasgaidh and Sgurr nan Clach Geala first before continuing south along the ridge to the top of Sgurr nan Each. It is also possible to climb the highest peak of the Fannichs, Sgurr Mòr, on this walk by an out and back trip from the col between the first two Munros."The Munros" Page 206 (Gives basis of this route).]

An approach from the south is possible but a mountain bike is required for the 15 kilometre ride to the foot of the south ridge. The ride utilises the hydro road from the locked gates at Grudie on the A835 at grid reference gbm4ibx|NH310624. The road is tarmac as far as the Fannich dam then becomes a track which passes Fannich Lodge to reach the south ridge from where the mountain can be climbed. A number of years ago it was possible to obtain a key for the locked gate at Grudie and drive a car as far as the dam. Several mountain guide writers recommend this southern approach for a long day in the hills which takes in seven of the Fannich Munros. There was formerly a bothy known as the “Nest of Fannich” situated on Sgurr nan Each’s lower south west slopes by the loch which a great help when climbing mountains in this area, the bothy burned down several years ago. The highlight of the view from the top of Sgurr nan Each is the western panorama which takes in the Fisherfield Forest, Slioch and the Torridon Hills.

References and Footnotes

*The Munros, Scottish Mountaineering Trust, 1986, Donald Bennett (Editor) ISBN 0 0907521 13 4
*The High Mountains of Britain and Ireland, Diadem, 1993, Irvine Butterfield, ISBN 0 906371 30 9
*100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains, Warner Books, 1992, Ralph Storer, ISBN 0 7515 0300 2
*Hamish’s Mountain Walk, Baton Wicks, 1996, Hamish Brown, ISBN 1 898573 08 5
*The Munros Almanac, Neil Wilson Publishing, 1991, Cameron McNeish, ISBN 1 897784 01 5Footnotes