Sneachda approach (Fiacaill Buttress)
Cairngorms National Park
Approach for climbs on Fiacaill Buttress. Other sectors more to the left.
Alpine Climbing Moderate
- Distance
- 4 km
- Ascent
- 430 m
- Descent
- 7 m
- Low Point
- 626 m
- High Point
- 1.1 km
- Gradient
- 15˚
This is a popular alpine climbing route which is generally considered to be moderate. It's remote, it features low exposure and is typically done between December and March. From a low point of 626 m to the maximum altitude of 1.1 km, the route covers 4 km, 430 vertical metres of ascent and 7 vertical metres of descent.
Description
Head immediately west along the footpath from the ski area carpark. Go left at the fork and follow the footpath up the wide valley. It peters out before the loch. Continue over boulders and steeper ground (beware of avalanches) to the foot of the crag.
Difficulty
Moderate
May involve slightly more complex glacier hikes, easy but possibly long rock ridges and steep snow up to 45 degrees. Equivalent to PD, PD+
Low Exposure
The route is well protected or easy enough that protection is not required.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.