A fine day for an outstanding hill.....Beinn Resipol

Hill: Beinn Resipol (Homestead)

Type: Corbett

Height: 845m

This was my 4^th attempt to bag this cracking hill which has been on my to-do list almost since I started hillwalking. On the other occasions my free day had been wet and/or cloudy but I was holding out for a clear weather day as I knew that the views would be spectacular and today was one such a day. The SMC book describes the view from the top as ‘ one of the finest views along the West Highland coastline’ so not too be missed.

There are two options for the ascent and I chose the one from Resipol caravan site which is arguably tougher, longer with a greater ascent as starting from sea level. But, you do have the conical view of the hill whereas from the eastern approach the summit is of the flatter ridge and not quite so scenic.

I had been warned that the walk from here could be a bog fest but I was confidant that after these weeks of no rain the going would be ok.

Lovely view down Loch Sunart at the start

I was aware that the caravan park had changed hands and was not sure about parking but good for them they have left space for about 5/6 cars for hill walkers.

It was a very quick boot change as the midgies were in full biting mode, wow, should I get my head net out?

Headed off through the beautiful oak woods full of birdsong and thankfully no midgies. A short open section before hitting a mixed natural wood, there was good shade for a while. I was struggling to get a good walking/breathing rhythm as the track steepened.

The boggy (dry) section

Out on the hillside I now had a view of the hill which it looked quite steep from here. This middle grassy section was the bog fest and although it had dried up considerably there were still many unavoidable boots in mud sections but a lot better than it might have been.

Then onto rougher ground following the right hand side of the Allt Mhic Chiarain where it enters a nice narrow gully. The track is very narrow at times and is easily lost particularly as the ascent steepens sharply and slight hands on sections add to the interest.

Looking ahead I could not see any obvious route but the as I gain height the track does begin to head towards the bealach on the left of the summit. It looked very craggy but I was sure a route would be there.

Large cairn is up there

A slight plateau is reached and you could head up at any spot as there were a few narrow grassy sections between the boulders.

Views east Ardgour Corbetts forefront Mamores behind

Loch Sunart

But I continued on the rising plateau until it almost drops away before making my meandering route upwards through the boulders to the top.

Loch Sunart to left Loch Shiel on the right

A short easy scramble leads to the top and its huge cairn. Then a wee scramble up the stones to the wooden pole marking the summit.

Loch Shiel back to Glenfinnan

The SMC description did not mislead. The views, despite the slight haze, did not disappoint. Quite stunning a widespread as the snaps show.

Back down via the lochan

Sadly up top the midgies had returned now supported by clegs, I killed two of them before deciding to down by the same route.

Eigg on left, Rum behind

Back at the car I was delighted to find that there was a breeze and it was midge free, yippee.

Today was a top ramble to a fine peak and I was so glad that I had waited for that blue sky day. Also worked up a good appetite for the taster menu at The Kilcamb Hotel which was only a few hours away.

Ascent: 868m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 4.56

Wildlife: Mistle Thrush; Greenshank; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Cuckoo (h); Woodpecker (h); Willow Warbler;

The Good Lady's birthday and probably her last hill.....Meall nan Each

Hill: Meall nan Each

Type: Sub2k

Height: 490m

For the good lady's birthday treat we decided to do a sub2k but as it turned out we did a different one from planned and the trauma of the day probably ended her hillwalking career.

Different signposts here

The good bit, the plantation would soon be almost touching each side

We were heading for Ben Laga a small sub2k in Ardnamurchan but near to a good café for cake at the end, there always has to be a reward for the good lady's outings. It is a steep start heading through the community Laga wood. This is now substantially overgrown since our last visit and in some sections the brambles will soon curtail access unless cut back. There are no alternatives. It was a heavy grey cloud day and so humid. The beasties were immediately an issue and she did not like it.

Loch Sunart below

At least there was a path so height was gained quickly but it was taking its toll. With relief we broke out of the plantation and got onto the moor. Ben Laga is on our right but I decided she was not going to make the rough scramble so we opted to keep on the track to Loch Laga and intending to return same way from there.

There was not a sole around so the scream from behind could only be one person. She had been bitten on the fleshy part of her hand at her thumb by a cleg.  Luckily I had anti-histamines so we kept going. Definitely not in a good mood.

The loch and the hills of Moidart & Morar

When we reached the loch she felt better and asked what the hill on the left was as she felt she could do it. I knew it was another sub2k but had no idea of its name as had not planned to do it. Map out and although we were not looking at the summit it was not too far behind and the gradient was better than Laga.

So off we went and although rough ground at times we made slow but good progress. As always a few false summits. The final grassy climb took its toll but the views were surprisingly outstanding despite he greyness of the day. 

Sitting on the grey sea not far away was an island with big peaks, it had to be Rum. Skye was behind and Assynt beyond. In the far distance the Western Isles profile. Nearby our local Moidart Corbetts and the peaks of Morvern, truly superb.

Meadow Brown

The descent took its toll on her arthritic limbs. She was in a lot of pain but she is game. Very slow progress and to add to her agony she was bitten again through her trousers but another sore one!! The biggest horsefly I have seen landed on my hand but luckily squished before any damage done. Insect repellent was not stopping them.

Stunning Heath Spotted Orchid

There were good views down Loch Sunart and across to the Rahoy hills to keep us interested at our many stops. Plus my supply of jelly babies were welcomed for their energy boost.

At the end we agreed that that was probably it for her walking career unless there is a guaranteed track all the way but not expecting it soon.

But the prospect of cake and the fine dining later brought a kind of smile back to her face. A birthday she will not forget.

Ascent: 498m

Distance: 8.06km

Time: 4,02

Wildlife: Snipe: Meadow Pipit; Raven; Meadow Brown; Large Heath?

Loch Laga A very wet ramble

Last day of Strontian trip and sadly the weather was not for relenting, still pouring down, how much water had been dumped on us recently?
We drove to Laga where depending on the conditions my objective was Ben Laga. Under other circumstances I would have combined this with Meall nan Each, as both are Marilyn category hills. However, Ben Laga is in The Hughs book with great views so number 1 choice.
The good lady fancied the great outdoors today but when we parked up at Laga the rain almost made it a no goer. However, made of sterner stuff and all layered up we headed off. The parking area is just after the second burn (Allt Mor), opposite the Marine Harvest sign, a small dirt area with room for 2 or 3 cars.

Track to woods

Go back over the bridge and turn left,  follow the new house track until you see on your left a fence and gate ahead which takes you onto the recently planted forest area, EEC money, no more soon.
A twisty grassy track meanders upwards, stop and admire the woodland if you wish. The gradient is good, continually getting higher without too much real effort. Some beautiful black with yellow spots caterpillars cling to the grassy stems, well disguised.

Easy gradient good but wet track

Great views looking back down Loch Sunart a couple of large fishing trawlers in sight.
There is not much to see ahead as the low clouds and rain obscure the hills. The track now is a mixture of grassy areas and a stony land rover track. The water is running down these unofficial mini burns like Usain Bolt. No side steps off the track as it is even wetter.

Open moorland

We cross through another gate/deer fence which takes us out onto the open moorland. The track is straightforward to follow although quite a few of the burns have escalated in size and crossing these makes it more exciting for the missus.
This track meets up with the Glenborrodale to Acharacle longer distance trail just after you get to Loch Laga.

Loch Laga

After about an hour and a bit we get sight of said Loch Laga, looking good, but on each flank neither hill wants to shed its grey curtains of cloud. 
We reach the point just before the loch where you need to leave the track and Ben Laga is the option, but the terrain is so boggy that I am not going to risk the good lady and in these conditions and I am not leaving her down here. The rain eased and the cloud lifted briefly to let us see the terrain up to Meall nan Each, it looked like another initially boggy crossing.

Meall nan Each

Weather is crap, it is very remote and rugged but perversely we are enjoying it. 
Looking down the left side of Loch Laga you can see the track that continues to Acharacle, another nice one for a nice day. I thought I spotted a walker just off the path but it is 3 red deer grazing.

The winds have picked considerably up so we make the descent with the rain now in our faces. Up on Ben Laga 3 stags are standing on the crest of a ridge, magnificent profiles, looking down at us. As soon as I point them out to missus they disappear. An occasional meadow pipit rises from its nest and a group of 4 wheatears and that is the wildlife for the day. Not quite, a very fat vole runs across our path, just as well no buzzards flying.

Loch Sunart

In typical fashion the rain even increased in intensity as we reached the car to get changed.
Although a relatively short walk it was important for missus to get the outdoor buzz, which she did. Still the hills will be there for my next visit and now it is time to visit the nearby Heritage centre for coffee and cake.
Ascent: 844 ft (258m)
Time: 2 hours 38m
Distance: 2.75 (4.43km)

Ben Hiant Ardnamurchan

View of Ben Hiant from Kilchoan ferry

On our way to Ardnamurchan lighthouse last year we stopped at the viewpoint overlooking the beautiful white sandy beach, Camus nan Geall. Beautiful as it was, it was the golden eagle gliding across the slopes of the hill opposite that attracted me more and I knew I had to get to that top.
There was no time to climb it last year but a return trip to Ardnamurchan made it a goer. By coincidence we were staying on Mull first and the view from our lodge decking was of an impressive hill across the water, maps checked, guess what, fate sealed it was Ben Hiant (Holy hill).
Another coincidence is that it is also in the book ‘The Hughs’ of which I am using to discover different hills. A good and energetic walk is described by Andrew Dempster from sea level. But as the good lady was with me we were going via the tourist route as described in Walkhighlands starting from the high point on the B8007.

That is a cairn?

The start at the tiny cairn is a laugh as this is the cairn, I think it has had some storm or people damage. Two other couples we spoke to had not even identified it and started well down the road. However once spotted the trail is evident, if on the right path it is a clear follow all the way up.

First plateau

An immediate stiff pull up the hillside gets the breathing going and Mrs already doubting the wisdom of her decision. As we reach the first top section I say ‘look those people are on the summit‘, she knows better but it encourages her. Just stop and look around, great views to be had early on and particularly when Loch Sunart opens up.

Middle climb

It is not too difficult a walk, just a steady constant upwards ramble as the path kindly twists and turns around the steeper sections. The only danger were the very strong gusts of wind which were capable of unbalancing you.

Final section and summit

As we look down into the glen below, which is between us and Beinn na-h Urchrach, we spot about 20 plus red deer grazing. Then, as the herd moves more and more deer appear, mainly hinds and calves but the odd stag is spotted, and we count 50 plus at one point, a great sight.
At this point the views of the final section looked a bit daunting to Mrs B but the track remains good. One short scrambling section and then the track winds it way around the back of the hill and before you know it the trig is in sight.

Well worn section

During the final section the views are once again outstanding despite the low cloud and poor long visibility. Looking back down Loch Sunart, Resipole the highest close hill, looking across to Mull with Ben More shrouded in cloud as usual, through the binos I can even see the lodge we stayed in near Tobermory.

Over now looking to Kilchoan and the Calmac ferry from Tobermory is arriving, plus the Ardnamurchan white needle of the lighthouse can just be seen. The islands to the west are also just in view but on a clear day it would be even more spectacular, probably seeing as far as the Uists. Then a couple and dog surprisingly arrive at the trig from a different direction from our route and tell us they have followed the Hughs route. They also say it is the coldest day of their walking holiday and are not hanging about, we concur.

A gentle descent taking in as much of the view as you can, it is well worth it and no need to rush particularly for her knees, she has done well and enjoyed it. You can just see the people ahead of us as small dots to the right. The white strip of beach just visible.

Looking back at the trail and descent

Apart from the red deer and a raven that was it, no eagles to be seen again.
Ben Hiant is a Marilyn at 528 metres. From our starting point it was 1127ft or 344 metres of ascent. Distance walked was 3.01 miles and took us 1 hour 10 to the summit.

Loch Sunart and Morvern

Kilchoan

Another cracking hill with plenty of views to remember. Then it was off to the Natural history centre at Glenmore for coffee and cake, superb. Worth a visit for the unusual local crafted gifts, a lot of money can be spent, be warned!!