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?