Hill:
Beinn Enaiglair (Hill of the timid birds)
Type:
Corbett
Height:
890m
A
day out with the ADRC at their away week in Ullapool.
Forecast
for the morning was grim and it turned out accurate. It was then
meant to improve after lunch, inaccurate.
 |
| Cloud very low at the start |
We
followed the normal anti-clockwise circuit which involved a long
moorland walk before contouring the Corbett on stalker tracks, which
were wet but in good order.
Despite the WH description there
thankfully was a gate at the deer fence. Home Loch looks a nice
fishing spot.
We
started in light rain which moved to heavy rain for long spells. The
winds at times were ferocious making walking pretty arduous when it
was at full blast, less so when leeward. It got pretty dammed cold,
under freezing point with the wind chill factor, as we gained height
near the summit. The clouds had lowered so visibility was minimal for
much of the time. No photos for a large section. In the gloor until
we had almost descended the ridge and met up with the stalkers path
again near Loch Feith nan Cleirieach.
 |
| Hat boulder |
 |
| Track goes round the flanks |
On
the ascent we had a short food break sheltered behind the enormous
boulder of Clach n h-Aide - the hat-shaped rock. Nice to get out of
the wind. After that you could have been anywhere in the clouds.
They
say the stand alone hill gives superb views, it can be seen on You
Tube, but for us we could have been on any hill top at any height.
 |
| A view at last |
 |
| Graham on the left |
We
had considered adding on the nearby Graham but the walk had been long
enough.
Quite
a bleak review but it was actually a good walk for much of it. That
is down to the group dynamics, friendly and good banter despite the
poor conditions. Navigation was shared with Liz and Gordon which was
really helpful on a day like this. When visibility is so poor more
heads were better than one.
Still,
we did come across the timid birds that the hill is named after.
Indeed one of the party almost stood on a Ptarmigan nest. Its owner
did protest.
 |
| At least rain leads to a nice waterfall |
 |
| Finally heading home |
The
clouds lifted enough to give us some views for the walkout but the
weather never really improved beyond grey and damp. A poor weather
day for the end of May.
Still
another blue marker and a good time with friends. But I want blue
skies and warmth.
Ascent:
754m
Distance:
16.4km
Time:
6,07
Wildlife:
Meadow Pipit; Snipe; Ptarmigan; Red Grouse; Common Frog, Curlew
