A wee stunner.....Biod an Fhithich

Hill: Biod an Fhithich (Point of the Raven)

Type: Fiona:

Height: 644m

Unusually I had a poor sleep last night and I did not really feel like climbing a hill but as I had this planned for ages it was time to get it done. I knew it should be a delightful short romp so off I went.

Yesterdays blue skies had been replaced by dull grey skies but at least the clouds were above my summit albeit some of the higher Munros were coming into view and then disappearing on a regular basis.

View from parking area Biod on the right

Only one other car in the parking area. As I changed I looked up where I could see a figure topping the stalkers path, must be the other car and an early starter I reckoned.

Good path starts here

The stalkers track was excellent, an initial zig zag section where I was worryingly perspiring early doors but thankfully I was back to normal for the long rising section to the bealach. At one point I looked up to the route ahead where I spotted movement, another single walker. Then a minute or two later I spotted another pair cresting the ridge at the top of the path. Where had all these people parked?

Stalkers path

Today, I was in no rush and despite the greyness the views were excellent. The track was in good nick but I knew from the amount of stone debris it would be a slow and careful descent.

Path to Forcan going up the centre

Wider view including the ridge

I reached the bealach where I got excellent views of the Forcan ridge. I spotted the walkers ahead of me circling towards the start of the ridge. I had not realised how much of a route junction this section was, more of which later.

Short ascent to Biod

These walkers had all turned left whereas I was going to my right to climb the short pap of Biod. There was a track to begin, which I soon lost, but no issues as the short ascent is mainly on grass with the small crags easy to avoid.

Looking back I spotted the walker who had been coming up behind me having a good look up at me. Presumably a Forcan walker deciding whether to bag this as well.

Looking back up Glen Shiel (east)

View west down Loch Duich

I meandered around and behind and then unexpectedly I had arrived at the top, Great 360 degree views, I was glad I had done it. the standard view back down the north ridge towards Loch Duich and the tourist trap of Eilean Donan Castle. Peeking over to look at the view down to the A87 it is certainly steep, a straight 600m down, not standing too close, could sense the vertigo pull.

5 Sisters

Views across to the 5 Sisters were great. Turning 180deg the full Forcan ridge and much more, certainly a fine viewpoint.  

I took a few snaps and was going to have something to eat when a voice greeted me. Blimey it was the guy from down below and he was rapido, mind you he was built like a whippet.

We had a good chat, turned out he was a walking guide who had been in the area with clients. Today was a free day so he was doing a recce of some alternative descents. Turned out he was staying in the hostel and had spoken to some of our group last night.

As we chatted we watched a couple of separate walkers coming from the direction of the ridge, I didn't think that was the Forcan descent as well but he told me that it was also a junction for the Cape Wrath trail and sure enough they headed down the other side on a track that I had not spotted.

I had my food break whilst he headed off and next time I looked he was almost on the ridge, he really was quick.

When I reached the junction a girl arrived from the stalkers path carrying a huge pack. She was also doing the Cape Wrath trail but had broken the route as her parents had arrived and put her up in a hotel for a night for a birthday present, a diversion down and back up the stalkers path a small price to pay for a comfy bed, meal and a shower she said.

Descent

For me it was now a careful descent to avoid a heel slip on the small stones and debris but still able to take in the views up and down the glen. Feeling much better, more refreshed and glad I did it. Time to meet the kids off the Glasgow bus.

Common Heath Moth

Colourful lichen, over 1500 species in Scotland, 

On the way down I had time to explore and I just love the colour variations of the rock lichens. Each colour is a different species, growing at less than 1mm a year and it is a battlefield as they try to take over the space.

The ramble turned out to be even better than expected but considering its name this must be one of a very few walks this year where I have not seen a raven!

Ascent: 610m

Distance: 7.2k

Time: 3.39

Wildlife: Cuckoo; Hooded Crow; Moth; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear;