Tom a' Chòinich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tom a' Chòinich |
|
|---|---|
Tom a' Chòinich (right), looking up along its southeast ridge from Creag na h-Inghinn
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,112 m (3,648 ft) |
| Prominence | 149 m (489 ft) |
| Parent peak | Càrn Eige |
| Listing | Munro, Murdo |
| Naming | |
| English translation | Mossy hillock |
| Language of name | Gaelic |
| Geography | |
 Tom a' Chòinich
Location in Highland
|
|
| Parent range | Grampian Mountains |
| OS grid | NH164273 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 25 |
Tom a' Chòinich is a tall mountain located in Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands. It stands 1,112 meters (about 3,648 feet) high. This mountain is known as a Munro, which is a special name for mountains in Scotland that are over 3,000 feet (914.4 meters) tall.
Less than 1 kilometer (about 0.5 miles) to the west of Tom a' Chòinich is another peak called Tom a' Chòinich Beag. This smaller peak is 1,032 meters (about 3,386 feet) high. It is known as a "Munro Top," meaning it's a significant peak connected to a main Munro. In the Scottish Gaelic language, "Tom a' Chòinich" means "mossy hillock."
About Tom a' Chòinich
Tom a' Chòinich is part of the Grampian Mountains range. Its "parent peak" is Càrn Eige, which is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) to the west. A parent peak is the higher mountain that a smaller peak is connected to. The mountain has a "prominence" of 149 meters (about 489 feet). Prominence measures how high a mountain rises above the lowest point connecting it to a higher peak.
It is important not to confuse Tom a' Chòinich with another peak that has a similar name. There is a different "Munro Top" also called Tom a' Chòinnich, which is 955 meters (about 3,133 feet) high. This other peak is located near Ben Wyvis and is usually spelled a little differently.
Exploring the Mountain
Climbing Tom a' Chòinich is a popular activity for hikers. While you can start your climb from Glen Cannich, most people find it easier to approach the mountain from Glen Affric.
Popular Climbing Routes
The most common way to climb Tom a' Chòinich from Glen Affric is to follow a path that goes northwest. This path starts from the north shore of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin. It follows a stream called Gleann nam Fiadh upstream, heading towards the mountain.
Another way to climb is along the mountain's southeast ridge. This route is more direct, meaning it's a straighter path to the top. However, the lower parts of this ridge are quite rocky, which can make the climb a bit more challenging.
