The Saddle East Top (1974: Sgurr nan Forcan)

"With two friends. From Suardalan Bothy (first rate) along a track through forest on the west side of Bealach a’ Chasain (forest now extends further S than track end), then across the valley to a minor top just to N of Sgurr Leac nan Each. On to Sgurr Leac nan Each, Spidean Dhomhuill Bhric, the W top of the Saddle, the trig point, the main top, East top, Sgurr nan Forcan, NW top of Sgurr na Sgine, main top. Went back to Bealach Coire Mhàlagain. We aimed to cross over to Coire Caol, but went too far east (very misty) so went down to the road and walked along the road to Shiel Bridge (no lifts!). From Ratagan west up by edge of forest and N of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich to reach the bothy at 23:30! Rain and very misty." — peter43 • May 31, 1986

"With Jonathan Bellarby. From bridge over Allt Mhàlagain. Walked up very good stalkers’ path to bealach between Biod an Fhithich and Meallan Odhar. Climbed Forcan Ridge to Sgurr nan Forcan, E top of The Saddle, main top, and trig point. Descent direct from trig point to Bealach Coire Mhàlagain. Clear. Some snow on ground." — peter43 • May 4, 1985

"With Richard Jones. From the bridge over Allt Mhàlagain up a stalker's track to the Bealach between Biod an Fhithich and Meallan Odhar. Then on to the summit of Meallan Odhar where there is a prominent cairn pointing in the direction of the Saddle. Followed an ill defined path to the remains of a wall. This point marks the start of the ridge leading to the Saddle. Plenty of delightful scrambling. The are several towers, with an easy but very steep descent of one of them. The summit of the Saddle was reached. Descended to Bealach Coire Mhàlagain and followed the Allt Coire Mhàlagain on its south side. Saw four goats. Note: subsequent visits and metric maps show that the prominent cairn on Meallan Odhar is not at the highest point of Meallan Odhar. The highest point is nearer the ridge going up to the saddle and is passed on the way there." — peter43 • Sep 1, 1971