Last snow walk of the year.....Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Hill: Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Finlay’s Hill)

Type: Munro

Height: 959m

Still trying to improve my hill fitness so a longer walk for a single Munro was perfect. Finlay's hill. I challenge you to pronounce this as named above then go onto Walkhighlands and listen to how it is spoken, your having a laugh I thought.

When I looked at the forecast yesterday today was looking promising but I woke up to the rain thumping down, got soaked just walking to the car, not what I expected. Also there had been recent heavy snow including last night so what was the hill going to be like?

At the car big decisions, crampons, ice axe, spikes or the lot? Finlay could not be seen from here but just across the way was Beinn Sgulaird, just slightly lower. The snow looked like being from circa 700m. Any new snow should bet wet and soft so only the spikes taken, the bag was heavy enough.

Hill track starts at hump on right

Started the walk from the Glen Crerar car park and followed the Walkhighlands route description. At the start there are enough signs to get you on the hill, the estate obviously don't want walkers wandering about where they do not want them.

Nope the point in distance is not the top

The final ridge

For all the signs it could be easy to miss the cut off onto the hill proper. From here it is a constant climb on a good gradient but on a very rough boggy path. It is a ridge walk without really feeling like one. The lochans were bubbling with mating frogs.

Frog pond and top coming into view

For about 2 hours of the climb the weather was distinctly varied. Dry at the start, light rain, heavy rain. Very loud thunder claps followed by about half an hour of hail and in cloud for the almost all the final 300m.

Another couple on way to the top

The snow level was reached and as predicted it was mostly slush between the rocky landscape but there were also significant sections of knee deep snow. A few sledging style descents later on.

Ben Nevis big lump in distance

A round trig could be spotted sooner than expected and thankfully this was the summit. The weather was now much clearer and the views were magnificent. All the Etive hills, the Glencoe giants, further on the bulk of Ben Nevis and many more, spectacular and worth the long walk in. I would go a long way for views of mountain ridges topped with snow.

Evening light over sea to Mull

The views on the descent were equally superb, nearby Sgulaird and its surrounding hills prominent. Longer distance over the sea to Mull and much more.

The downside was the wet boggy track was a nightmare, full on concentration required to avoid slipping, rather tiring and became a long slog.

Overall it was a worthy outing, excellent views and fitness boosted.

Ascent: 1012m

Distance: 15.7km

Time: 7.56

Wildlife: Red Deer; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Common Frog.