I could have done without that descent.....Beinn a' Chaorainn & Beinn Teallach

Hill: Beinn a’ Chaorainn (Hill of the Rowan)(1052m) & Beinn Teallach (Forge Hill)(915m)

Type: Munro x2

Beautiful clear blue skies yet again for an unplanned last minute ramble where I ended up bagging a couple of new Munros. I was in the area to do a couple of bike hikes but this opportunity appeared and I had a free day so went for it.

A group of us from Ayr OIR met up at Roughburn for a 9am start. Easy to find, just along the road, west of the Creag Meagaidh circuit. 

You could go up here but far better to keep walking for another 5 minutes

A pleasant walk through some woods, chatting away and listening to the spring birdsong brought us to the deforested area. A sideways walk along to where we would start the ascent of the 1^st Munro. Some boggy sections of ATV track was encountered before we probably made a slight error and followed a track left instead of staying on the direct track. 

On off ATV tracks helped

It didn't make a lot of difference but we did end up in a newly tree planted section, lots of holes in the ground so awkward walking so pleased to get to the deer fence. 

Where is that deer fence? 1st top peaking up top left.

We were slightly lower than the planned route but found a gate in the deer fence rather than the going over the style mentioned in walk reports. 

However, it wasn't too far away and as we wandered upwards we came across the path from the style. Path you might think, where did this come from as the description says pathless?

Looking back to the deer fence & the Fiona Creag Dhubh

The slog

But a faint path there was which helped morale as we climbed onwards and upwards, onwards and upwards, you get the picture. I was pleasantly surprised at the gradient which was better than I expected but nevertheless it was a relentless ascent without respite.

More elevated view back including Grey Corries and the two westerly Fersit Munros

Looking back the views were stunning. I needed plenty of short stops stops as the sweat was running the sun lotion into my eyes, very painful. Plus with rubbing my eyes so often I was irritating my recent operation which brought on a different pain, the joys.

The final section is a boulder/grass combo which meant frequently losing and regaining the track.

Creag Meadaigh Munros 

Levelling off and across the boulder strewn top we reached the first summit and cairn but this is about 10 metres lower than the middle top. Spectacular views over the Creag Meagaidh hills. Nice to see what they looked like as they were mainly in cloud when I climbed them. 

Loch Treig surrounded by the Fersit Munros Corrour beyond from South top

Turning around the waters of Loch Treig was shimmering in the bright sunlight, Corrour behind. All the big mountains in view Fersit, Grey Corries & Fort William giants.

True summit on the right then follow the ridge round on the left

View from summit back to top 1 (South)

The going underfoot had improved as we headed to the real summit and again took in more of the superb views.

Ridge walk, some of our group arriving at 3rd top (North)

A lovely contouring ridge walk leads to the third summit. Sadly deaths have occurred on this section with snow crevasses not being strong enough to hold the walkers from a long and fatal descent.

Today was different, a few clinging snow patches which did not affect us so we enjoyed it taking in a superb view of the tiny halfway lochan.

View over to lumpy & bumpy Beinn Teallach

As we walked the ridge we also had a good view across to the 2^nd Munro of the ramble, Beinn Teallach. Once it was the highest Corbett, now the lowest Munro, promotion or how the mighty fall. From like afar this looked very different to Munros in this area, much more the rough and rugged type associated with our local Dumfries & Galloway hills.

I had felt really good on the ascent, pleased with my stamina and legs but the toughest section was still to come.

After the main ridge we had a slightly downhill contouring grassy section before the full on descent began heading steeply to the glen of the Allt a' Chaorainn. It is always slightly demotivating when descending knowing an ascent was coming next. But this descent was over 400m, a huge descent. A grassy boulder crusted hillside. We were constantly zig zagging to keep on the grassy sections.

Beinn Teallach was always in view getting higher and steeper the more we descended. As said if any hill could be transported to our local Dumfries & Galloway hills and not look out of place it was this one. No smooth parts just like a toads skin, a few grassy rakes and covered with small craggy sections.

Closer view of lochan also seen in above photo

The climb was just over 300 metres, the short steep sections were really punishing my legs. Lactate issues kicking in. Tracks found and lost. Constantly readjusting and that bloody top never seemed to be in sight.

Poor snap but final climb more Munro like now

View from summit to 2nd top

But finally a faint boulder trail climbed to a cairn which as soon as I arrived I spotted another one across the way where our two fastest walkers already were. But the guide says this first cairn is the Munro top although we do head over to the other one as it is said to have the best views, not that any of the views today have been shabby.

On the way down, good track for much of it

Glad to be on the homeward stretch even though that is still a long way off. Again grassy, stony up top, more wet and boggy as we descend. But the descent was hot, hot, hot. The dry spell meant the possible daunting river crossing was a breeze. My water bottle was filled in the cold fast running water, delightful, I needed it to revive me.

A cracking walk in beautiful conditions with great views throughout.

For me a walk of two halves. The 1^st really good because we largely kept going and that suited my style. The 2^nd half was much tougher. We had a few breaks, the big descent and then the uphill climb where I found myself in my mental ‘can/must do’ territory. But really getting to old for that.

Despite that a well worthwhile ramble in good company.

Ascent: 1208m

Distance: 17.6km

Time: 8.21

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Buzzard; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Mountain Hare; Raven;

A superb Corbett/Munro ramble.....Am Bathach & Ciste Dubh

Hill: Am Bathach (The Byre) (798m) & Ciste Dubh (Black Chest) (979m)

Type: Corbett & Munro

Last year when we were staying at Cluanie Inn I watched a walker descend the ridge heading back from the Corbett of Am Bathach. I turned and said to the good lady that it looked spectacular and I was adding it to my To Do list.

Well today was the day for it and I was really looking forward to it. It stands out from the A87 as it is a narrow peak/pyramid like hill with steep slopes it looked interesting.

Time for a breather and a look back to the start and Loch Cluanie

I began from the plantation on the A87 and I knew that the initial series of ramps were just going to be a slow slog, head down, step by step just keep gaining height. There was a decent path to follow, pretty firm after this dry weather but sections showed where it can get very boggy under different conditions. By the time I climbed to the ridge proper I did have a bit of a sweat going, it was warm.

A proper undulating ridge

View down to the Cluanie Inn

From that high point the ridge undulates well aware of its narrowness and the steepness of its flanks, a long way down to either glen. Still no difficulty, just the wow factor of this superb hill surrounded by its bigger Munros but in no way is this hill walk inferior.

Am Bathach is the middle peak

Up top Aonach Meadhoin on left

Ciste Dubh ahead but a big descent first

Reached the summit. 1 hour 40m pleased with that. Time for some refreshments and enjoy the views.

This was the 1^st of a double ascent today as I was also taking the Munro of Ciste Dubh which was directly ahead. I was aware that the SMC book says that it is not as near as you might think, ok.

Common frogs love bogs

I knew I had a long descent to the Bealach a’ Choinich but in fairness it gave me a good perspective of the route ahead. The bealach is a peat hag strewn area but was fairly dry, lots of deer prints in the mud but none spotted.

It looks benign but ahead is the worst section

An Cnapach peaks out

Starting to climb again with the track going to the right of the crags. This was the worst section, even in dry conditions it was a black gloopy quagmire, the very eroded track frequently lost and it was with great relief to get back on a decent path heading for the prominent peak of An Cnapach.

Contouring An Cnapach

The magnificent summit of Ciste Dubh, track can be seen on the left

The track continued to its left but there is a short drop before climbing the narrow exposed final section. It had been a beautiful day but as I reached the narrow section the winds got up and buffeted me all the way to the summit. Being very aware of those massive drops on my right at times it was a wow moment as the gusts tugged and pulled.

Summit view back to Am Bathach centre & An Cnapach right

Five Sisters peaks left Glen Affric on right

The Brothers centre & 5 Sisters on right

On descent An Cnapach's jaggy peak

It really is a top viewpoint, a stand alone hill but the many other Munros are not far away along with a great view through to Glen Affric.

On descent The Brothers ahead

Nice view of the descent side of Am Bathach

The wind gusts had ceased as I descended back to the bealach, thankfully the higher perspective allowed me to pick a better line through the gloop.

Higher view of the walk out on left side of the burn

View from the bealach

At the bealach I had a bit of phaffing around before finding the stalkers path that would lead me back to the car. It was a long walk through the glen and the heat had brought out the beasties so glad to get to the end of the track.

Without doubt my favourite ramble of the year so far.

Ascent: 1099m

Distance: 13.6km

Time: 5.41

Wildlife: Ringed Ouzel; Meadow Pipit; Cuckoo (heard); Common Frog; Raven;

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;