Mainreachan Buttress

About Mainreachan Buttress

Guarding the northern flank of Fuar Tholl, this massive Torridonian sandstone precipice is one of the grandest sights in the Coulin Forest. More than just a Tump, it provides a dramatic balcony overlooking the wild Corrie Lair, with a direct, imposing line of sight towards the jagged peaks of Torridon.

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Did You Know?

• •The name derives from the Gaelic 'Coire Mainreachan', often translated as the 'Corrie of the Enclosure'. This refers to the natural, steep-walled amphitheatre formed by the buttress and the main summit of Fuar Tholl.
• •Most walkers reach this high point via the steep, rocky ascent from Achnashellach, passing through the Scots pines of the Coulin Forest before emerging into the rugged, quartzite-strewn terrain of the upper mountain.
• •From the edge of the buttress, the view across the deep trough of Corrie Lair to the fortress-like walls of Sgurr Ruadh is one of the most celebrated sights in the North West Highlands.
• •The cliff face is a classic example of Torridonian sandstone, featuring horizontal bedding planes that create natural, narrow ledges—though these are far more suited to the local ravens than to hillwalkers.
• •Despite its humble classification as a Tump, the sheer verticality of the northern face ensures that anyone attempting a direct shortcut into the corrie will find their descent significantly faster than intended.