The big fitness test.....Beinn a'Ghlo

Walk: Beinn a’ Ghlo….Carn Liath: Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain; Carn nan Gabher

Type: Munro x 3

Height: 1239m

Well today was the big test for the Achilles the demanding full round of Beinn a’ Ghlo. I had been looking forward to this since it was cancelled last year.

Adam Watson , the ecologist and author described Beinn a’ Ghlo as one of the most beautiful and mysterious hills in Scotland. Not sure about the mysterious but I certainly go along with the beautiful part. The hill has 19 corries and it is said a rifle could be fired in any of them without being heard in another.

Obvious track up Carn Liath

A small group, social distancing if you can do such a thing on the hill set off. I had prepped them that I would decide after the 1^st Munro, Carn Liath, whether I would continue or descend by myself. Fair to say I was aware of it with every step so time would tell.

Plenty of cars already parked up early this morning, this was a busy place today.

A half hour walk in before we reached the wooden hut where the imposing landscape scarring track of Carn Liath is evident.
Initial problems my camera would not recognise the SD card, it did yesterday! Of course the spare is at the bottom of rucksack and it would not recognise it either so mobile phone pictures only today.

Even at the bottom levels they have been working on improving the track but it is on the slopes of Carn Liath where the work is evident, they have done a cracking job.

Looking down from Carn Liath track

The sky had got gloomier but it the major factor was the wind. Trying to put a jacket on about half way up was a major challenge in itself, body twisting and turning trying to find that second sleeve, what was it going to be like up top?

The track is great but care still required as easy to trip on the irregular stones that have been laid. Anyway an ascent of head down, plod on and take in the grand views. Before long the first summit is reached just after the cairn. Fabulous views particularly across Glen Tilt, easily one of my favourite glens.

View of Braigh (summit peaking out on right) from Carn Liath

Fitness wise I was feeling really good and the Achilles was no worse than when I started so decision made to head on.

Better view of ridge, Gabher hidden in cloud, not the hill on right that is it's spur.

The ridge ahead looks stunning as it meanders but the final and biggest Munro, Carn nan Gabher, looks a long way off and a lot higher.

Back the ridge to Carn Liath

Looking back to Carn Liath the ridge walk looks fantastic, one to remember.

The ridge meanders before descending to a bealach. Time for food as the next climb looks steep. A couple of runners pause briefly to chat to one of the group that they know, 4 hours is their target time, wow.

The reality for the next climb was that a good steady pace saw peak number two conquered. Really pleased with my hill fitness.

A steep grassy descent took us down to prepare for the final assault.

Now for number 3, Gabher

The weather had been coming and going but apart from one small shower we had escaped getting wet although the wind had not relented.

One of the 19 corries looking to the eastern Cairngorms

Another steady climb took us up to the summit plateau. The views are superb as you climb giving a good reason to take a breather and soak it all in. Walkers descending had all commented on how strong and chilling the wind was up there, great.

When you reach the first big cairn is this it, nope. Then the trig, nope. Yet another big cairn was further on, the top of Carn nan Gabher, an 1100+ Munro. This plateau was extremely rocky/stony and by far was the biggest test of my tendon. The walking was difficult, the stones moved, sore!

Very stony Carn nan Gabher summit

However the views were magnificent particularly of the eastern Cairngorms, no words or pictures can do this justice. Even The Lomond hills in Fife were clear.

Whilst the wind was fierce it was not as cold as indicated by the descenders.

In many ways the hard work had been done but this is a round that does not let you off easily. The cars are a long way away between 2-3 hours walking.

Boggy Glen, Carn Liath highest peak

The descent into the glen was straightforward but it did get very boggy at times before we crossed the burn onto a slightly better track which eventually became the restored track.

Before you jump for joy the height lays out the track ahead, surely that is not our route, of course it is.

The long walk out still an hour to go, looking back summit of Gabher is small peak behind the the spur on the right

Although it is an excellent track this was the hardest section for my tendon, the longer strides were obviously having an impact.

Still we got there and as you circular your first Munro of the day take stock on how good it was. One of the finest ridge walks in Scotland.

Processionary moth caterpillar, do not touch

A hard day but the company was excellent, lots of good chat and banter, brilliant views and a workout, exactly what a day on the hills should be.

A bit of pain and stiffness but hopefully an overnight rest and it will be good enough for the solo walk I have planned for tomorrow.

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Processionary moth caterpillar.

Distance: 23.2km

Ascent: 1615m

Time: 8.13