Hill: Beinn Bhreac aka Meall Dubh (Speckled mountain)
Type: Fiona
Height: 667m
Three of us from
ADRC set off to this, some might say, uninspiring hill amongst the
giants. But other more knowledgeable people will be aware of the
magnificent panorama available to those who do this on a good viewing
day.The hill also has
two names, depending on which map/site you use, which does not help
but only one is the true summit. On some maps/books etc it is known
as Meall Dubh. But its correct title is Beinn Bhreac. You could start
at Leckmelm and go over Meall Dubh first but we started from
Inverlael and ignored Meall Dubh completely. We just called it Devils mountain.
Through the field of
coos who had no interest in our presence whatsoever, fine with us.
 |
| Not exactly intimidating slopes, Bhreac ahead |
Over the bridge and
a slightly ascending track takes us to the only challenging bit of
the day, find the hidden track. We did and it was a delight. In the
shade it zigzagged steeply but on a fine track. We hit a main
crossroads but kept going until we reached the deer fence. Good
height was gained quickly without without trauma as we continued up
an estate track contouring the landscape. Once again serenaded by
male cuckoos. |
| Gordon ascending with the Fannichs behind |
It was now time to
hit the moor and cross the burn at its ford, not much water around.
Then follow a slight deviation before just going for it and head
across the moor aiming for where we think the top is. It is about
1.5km of fairly gentle ascent across the moor, meandering on the
higher ground to miss the peat hags and other boggy sections but
nothing troublesome. A nice surprise was a springing a Black Grouse,
certainly not an every day bird. |
| Lochan found summit just behind |
 |
| Deer antler marks the summit |
Reached the top and
realised that the small lochan we wanted to find was over to our
right and the top of Beinn Bhreac just behind it. A nice surprise
when we got there as the very small cairn had a deer antler as part
of its structure.
Although the views
were hazy the sightings were good enough for us but we could also
imagine what it would be like on a clear blue sky day. Still we the
Beinn Dearg hills, An Teallach, the Fannichs, the Assynt hills a bit
grey but could be made out and lots more.
On our way back down
we spotted some red deer hinds and had an identify the butterfly on
the lower slopes.
Overall a good
straightforward ramble, without stress and good crack.
PS: the Devils
remark alludes to the ascent height.
Ascent: 666m
Distance: 14.9km
Time: 5.23
Wildlife: Black
Grouse; Cuckoo (m+f) calling; Red deer; Skylark; meadow Pipit;
Peacock butterfly; Grey Wagtail; Pearl Bordered Fritillary;
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