Fraochaidh is fine hill with a long summit crest situated in Appin. Although slightly overshadowed by its taller and grander neighbours, Beinn a'Bheithir, Beinn Sgulaird and Beinn Fhoinnlaidh, the summit is high enough not only to give the hill Corbett status, but also affords some fabulous views over Loch Linnhe towards Morven, Sunart and Mull.
Approaches to Fraochaidh can be made from Ballachuilish to the north-east, Loch Creran to the south and Duror to the north-west.
From Ballachulish, the path begins by the school and, particularly after wet weather, can be a bit of a bog-fest ! The approach from Loch Creran is through forestry and woodland and over Beinn Mhic na Ceisich. The route that begins from Duror is shorter, easier and, in my opinion, the more scenic of the three. This route initially travels on fine forestry tracks and higher up follows a fence-line to the summit.
One of the best views of the Glencoe and Etive peaks is to be had from this hill's summit cairn.
Which map to choose ?
On forestry tracks lower down and pathless grass covered terrain higher up, this is a fine route up a modest Corbett hill surrounded on northern and eastern sides by higher mountains. On clear days the views from Fraochaidh are stunning.
The village of Duror lies on the A828, 8km south-west of Ballachuilish Bridge.
In the village, a sign on the south-east side of the main road points to A'Chindarroch Road and the campsite.
Head down this road, passing some houses.
After 200m and beyond a sharp turn left, the road reaches the entrance to the campsite and opposite, the remains of an old railway line, which is now a track.
Turn south down this track for 500m and park on the verge by a sharp turn and junction in the track .
A forestry track climbs gently, initially eastwards, into Glen Duror and this can be followed for around 2km to its end .
A fairly new track climbs south from here and zig-zags its way uphill.
At the abrupt end of this track, a short walk over grass and heather to reaches a knoll and two lochans .
From there, an easy walk over pleasant but pathless terrain follows the crest of Fraochaidh's north-west shoulder. Higher up, at around c760m, a line of fence-posts coming up from Coire na Capuill is met, which can be followed for just under 1km to trig point on the summit .
The views from the summit are exceptional, particularly considering this hill's modest height and being surrounded by much higher peaks.
We don't have any guided events up Fraochaidh currently on our calendar of regular events. We are heading up nearby Beinn a'Bheithir on 28 April'19. More information on the event is here.
Alternatively, if you would like a bespoke day or two hiking over these peaks, we would be delighted to organise something for you and your group. Check out our Bespoke Guiding page for more information.