Hill:
Meall a’ Chaorainn
Type:
Graham
Height:
705m
It
was a rare occasion to actually begin a walk from my back door. No
driving, yipee. So you would imagine a long lie but not the case.
Awoke at normal time, faffed about and had a light brekkie and on
the trail by 8am.
The
hill is split into 4 sections. From the start there is a stiff climb
to reach the moor. Then a long crossing across a full on peat bog
moor. Finished with a short but steep grassy climb. Then the descent.
Section
1. It is a long time since I have had such a mud squelching start to
a walk but perversely I enjoyed it. The SMC book advises you to cross
over the burn but I did not see much benefit to that until higher up,
more on that later. The steady climb follows the burn which becomes
an impressive gorge. The narrow muddy track mixes with rocky slabs
and feels like a proper hill walk. Be aware that this route is also
used by the Munro baggers for Fionn Bheinn so do not follow the ones
in front you might end up with a stiffer climb than expected.
 |
| Cross here |
 |
| 1st view, right or left? |
 |
| Headed left via the hags |
 |
| Red deer on the ridge I am heading for |
Section
2. Once I reached a hydro water outlet the hill was in view. Although
at this level you know you are right in a peat bog, only you dont
know how bad it is. Decision time do you want to go up the right or
left of the hill? The centre looks like it has a scree slope
protecting it. I decided to go left as the distant ground looked
higher and possibly drier but it is still a fair bit away. I spotted
a herd of red deer on said high ground, if it good enough for them it
is good enough for me. The bog crossing was done with great care. The
water pools are vast in places and much stopping and deciding your
route but I enjoyed that. At times, when testing the terrain, the
pole was disappearing so even the so called good ground I had
identified had to be treated with caution.
 |
| Looking south to the Corbetts I had originally planned for today |
 |
| Fionn Bheinn |
 |
| Big Torridon stuff in the clouds |
Section
3. The climb up the grassy slope is simple enough but interestingly
higher up it becomes tiered, that was a bit weird. As I neared the
top I could hear a helicopter very loud above me but in the cloud.
From the noise it was hovering, had I set off my alarm? It stayed for
a few minutes before flying away. A break in the cloud and I spotted
it, definitely the rescue helicopter from Inverness. The top is a
pleasant carpet flat grassy plateau, nice walking. Some say it is one
of the best viewing spots and I’m not going to disagree. A really
pleasant spot to view many of the nearby Torridon peaks, the
Fannichs and Fisherfield Munros and much more. Of course Fionn Bheinn
can be included but a longer Bog crossing is required so not for me
today.
 |
| Peat hag hell |
 |
| Finish in sight |
Section
4. From the top the vastness of the peat bog moorland becomes
apparent. There appears to be a section to the right of the bog which
has more dry land and even a faint path. Once down the path is a very
faint ATV track which comes and goes but does eliminate a lot of the
bog but certainly not all of it. Eventually I reached the new estate
track which leads to a big fence and a locked gate. I followed it
down until I spotted an old hydro outlet, crossed the burn here and
followed the outward track back to the start.
Despite
the terrain I really enjoyed my walk today. Fitness wise I felt good
which always helps. The views were excellent. But it was the feeling
of solitude and the sound of silence which was so rewarding. Apart
from the sounds of the natural world there was minimal other noise to
spoil the day, helicopter excepted.
Section
Ascent:
561m
Distance:
8.5km
Time:
3.34
Wildlife:
Red Deer (hinds); Red Grouse; Oystercatcher; Meadow Pipit; Skylark;
Chiffchaff; Common Lizard
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