Just what I needed as a recovery ramble.....Beinn na Feusaige

Hill: Beinn na Feusaige (Mountain of the beard)

Type: Fiona

Height: 625m

Yesterday had been one of my worst physical days on a hill with a general feeling of fatigue and weakness so much so that I really struggled complete the route but I did and todays another day. I had been bitten on the neck a few days ago and had not felt right since but other people have said that there is a lot of Covid about so who knows.

No alarm set so a slightly longer lie. Stiff feeling stiff legged and a bit under the weather but I did not want to laze about so Plan A aborted and Plan B enacted.

Beinn na Feusaige on left with Carn Beag on right

When I was out for a cycle the other night I noticed an estate track going a good way up towards a ridge where there was a Fiona that I wanted to bag. Looking at the map and I could utilise the track for 2/3rds of the ramble then a tough but short moorland section. Surely I could make that? If not the summit at least I could use the track to the lochan for a workout. You can combine this hill with Carn Breac but the ground between is not the nicest so not for me today.

At the gate there was a sign to contact the estate as deer stalking was in progress but this was a Sunday so no point.

As I shuffled up the track I was hawking up a lot of phlegm, a clear sign all was not well with my body. Thankfully that was short lived and I felt better.

Decent views after the climb

It was a nondescript track until I reached the high point where the views opened out over the Torridon Hills. Plenty of high and low cloud/mist giving an atmospheric feeling to the hike.

Scotch Argus

There was a strange quietness as I walked along the high track, the atmospheric conditions had also brought the sound of silence. No birds singing for the last few kilometres, no deer, no sheep and not even the obligatory raven so far. The only sound apart from my feet crunching on the stone track was the buzzing of bees on the very beautiful, but sporadic, patches of purple heather.

Headed for high point on the the right to get on the plateau quickly

Found the turn off to the lochan but before I went too far up it it I spotted a faint deer track heading onto the peat hagged moor. My signal to get off the track onto the moor so lets go for it. Of course the track only lasted for a short time but it was enough to avoid the worse of the eroded hags and the sphagnum patches.

Lochan Sgeireach

I have rambled over a lot worse terrain, the hags were straight forward to avoid and as I rose I had good views down to the lochan where the ripples of rising fish made me wish I had brought a travel rod. It took no time to gain the plateau. 

A line of Torridon giants

Looking across to my left in the distance I could see a small herd of deer on Carn Beag. Also on my hill there were lots of hoof prints in the peat as well as droppings fresh enough to have flies on them, so they were around. A little further on there was a distinct aroma of musk. They must be close but I was slightly downwind so they might not be aware of me. No such luck. I spotted one head looking at me, then other two before off they scarpered, over the ridge. But having seen enough deer I knew the next step in this process. Sure enough a head appeared peeking over the ridge then more heads and bodies appeared. They had a good stare at me before they scarpered for good.

View from the top

I was close to the top and wandered up to the high point. This could be a superb viewpoint but sadly the low clouds prevented views of Moruisg and the nearby Monar hills. Nor of the more distant Strathfarrer, Affric and Kintail hills. Still you take what you can get and it was good enough. 

It was so humid that I was sweating buckets which alerted all the beasties. Human warmth and sweat a la carte to them so I didn't hang about for too long.

Looking back Loch Maree

I love clouds sweeping through fast, hate them when they linger

Clouds passed through and I can see my track

Simply backtracked taking in the clear views over the nearby Torridon Hills. Most summits coming and going with cloud apart from Slioch whose top seemed to stay under cloud for the whole trip. But even from afar they looked impressively huge beasts.

Meall a' Chaorainn, I remember a lot of deer and peat hags up there

Back on the track the views descending were of rugged moorland with the Achnasheen Fiona of Meall a’ Chaorainn breaking the flatness.

The solitary cottage with the Strathfarrer Munros way behind

Then on the final descent the Strathfarrer Corbetts were showing well and down below me a solitary cottage. I thought it was abandoned until I noticed smoke from a chimney, must be a cool cottage inside.

Thankfully the midgies had disappeared from the parking area. Physically I felt better so hopefully the shorter ramble did just trick.

Ascent: 582m

Distance: 13.4km

Time: 3.49

Wildlife: Buzzard; Red deer (hinds); Meadow Pipit; Scotch Argus

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This ramble was literally a last minute decision so I had not done any research on the hill prior to the walk. It was not until after the event that I read that there was a 2^nd World War crash site near the summit. Had I been aware I would have investigated the area. My second crash site in two days.

Notes were taken from the Blog ‘Old Mans thoughts and tales’. Heavy Whaller MBE.

USAAF Martin B-26C Marauder 41-34707 was on a transit flight from the USA via Meeks Field (Keflavík, Iceland) to Prestwick in Scotland. This was a recognised aircraft ferry route, which should have taken the Marauder over Stornoway in the Western Isles. However, for some reason, the aircraft was flying too far East of the prescribed course, and therefore over high ground on the Scottish mainland.

As the Marauder continued on its course through mist and rain, it struck the side of Beinn na Feusaige (625m / 2,051ft) in Glen Carron, near Achnasheen [map] on the NW mainland of Scotland.

Sadly all the airmen died in this accident. The crashed aircraft was destroyed by an ensuing fire.

• 1st Lt Merritt E Young (26) (O-662715), Pilot, USAAF.
  (Buried, Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, USA.)

• 2nd Lt Robert A Anderson (O-729949), Bomb Aimer, USAAF.
  (Buried, Madingley Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.)

• Staff Sgt Vincenzo (Vincent) Bravo (24) (11021367), Flt Engr., USAAF.
  (Buried, Medfield, Massachusetts, USA.)

• Staff Sgt Marshall R Miller (38111816), Radio Op., USAAF.
  (Buried, Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas, USA.)

• Master Sgt Lewis M Cross (14069227), Gnr., USAAF.
  (Buried, Madingley Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.)

A group walk up the White Hill.....Fionn Bheinn

Hill: Fionn Bheinn (White Hill)

Type: Munro

Height: 933m

Final walking day of my short trip to Torridon with the ADRC. When I woke the skies were a cloudless blue, perfect.

As I was starting this ramble on my holiday doorstep my fellow walkers were journeying to me so not the same manic rush to get ready. Fionn Bheinn was our objective, a Munro that is technically part of the Fannichs range albeit the other nine have a loch separating them. It is the only Munro that starts with the letter F.

Long distance but the herd can be seen grazing upper green section

A few days ago I had spotted a herd of around 40 red deer on the village side slopes so optimistic for a sighting on the hill.

The last time I climbed the initial section up beside the gorge it had been an absolute mud-fest but today was much drier and better going. What was missing was the birdsong in the trees, vibrant and alive last time but silent today. Of course a couple of cuckoos were doing their thing so not full on silence.

Reached the water works and followed the trail to the right. After yesterdays boulder and scree terrain the feet were delighted to be walking on soft ground.

Track will veer right but then more direct to summit ahead

What was unexpected was a path of sorts leading quite a way up the hill. It does not follow the expected Walkhighlands route up to the ridge but more of a direct assault. But one would be a fool not to take advantage of it plus I would no doubt have had a few moans behind me if I veered off the track onto rough peat hagged moorland.

The Torridon giants show themselves

As we climbed the views were wonderful and ever changing. We were not alone on the hill so with the perfect visibility we had a clear view of where those ahead were going. Plenty of pauses to regather energy as well as take in these views.

Loch Fannich and some of the 9 behind

The track petered out but we were almost at the top so veered right up to the ridge and the magnificent views downwards of the blue water of Loch Fannich as well as the other nine Fannichs in the range across the water.

View to the Fisherfields but not my snap, one of the group must have loaded it to the Whats App chat

A pleasant stroll and the trig was reached. We hunkered down on the far side for lunch out of the cooler breeze but no hardship as the views were absolutely stunning. Anyone who uses this an easy short bagging hill in poor weather is off their head to miss this vista. Nearby the Torridon giants, further afield the Fisherfields, An Teallach and so much more. Looking back the lump of Ben Wyvis is prominent.

For the descent I considered the circular option but I knew we had to go through a deforested area with no mention of a path. From here the section could be seen but it had been replanted with new trees visible. So safety first we walked the ridge where looking back it showed the best view of Fionn Bheinn, a curving ridge and the crags of Toll Mor.

We then cut back on the flanks of Creagan nan Laogh to cover some rough ground before re-joining the upward track.

This was now the most humid part of the day so the descent was harder work than it should have been.

The hamlet of Achnasheen lies below

We were also keeping an eye on the Midge Bite cafe where there was a distinct lack of parked cars. A quick check on Google to find it was closed today so no coffee and cake to finish, a few points knocked off my guiding score.

Apart from that it was an excellent ramble, good company with plenty of laughter, special views, so all in all a good day out.

Ascent: 797m

Distance: 10.2km

Time: 5.16

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail; Cuckoo (h)

The special sound of silence.....Meall a' Chaorainn

 Hill: Meall a’ Chaorainn

Type: Graham

Height: 705m

It was a rare occasion to actually begin a walk from my back door. No driving, yipee. So you would imagine a long lie but not the case. Awoke at normal time, faffed about and had a light brekkie and on the trail by 8am.

The hill is split into 4 sections. From the start there is a stiff climb to reach the moor. Then a long crossing across a full on peat bog moor. Finished with a short but steep grassy climb. Then the descent.

Section 1. It is a long time since I have had such a mud squelching start to a walk but perversely I enjoyed it. The SMC book advises you to cross over the burn but I did not see much benefit to that until higher up, more on that later. The steady climb follows the burn which becomes an impressive gorge. The narrow muddy track mixes with rocky slabs and feels like a proper hill walk. Be aware that this route is also used by the Munro baggers for Fionn Bheinn so do not follow the ones in front you might end up with a stiffer climb than expected.

Cross here

1st view, right or left?

Headed left via the hags

Red deer on the ridge I am heading for

Section 2. Once I reached a hydro water outlet the hill was in view. Although at this level you know you are right in a peat bog, only you dont know how bad it is. Decision time do you want to go up the right or left of the hill? The centre looks like it has a scree slope protecting it. I decided to go left as the distant ground looked higher and possibly drier but it is still a fair bit away. I spotted a herd of red deer on said high ground, if it good enough for them it is good enough for me. The bog crossing was done with great care. The water pools are vast in places and much stopping and deciding your route but I enjoyed that. At times, when testing the terrain, the pole was disappearing so even the so called good ground I had identified had to be treated with caution.

Looking south to the Corbetts I had originally planned for today

Fionn Bheinn

Big Torridon stuff in the clouds

Section 3. The climb up the grassy slope is simple enough but interestingly higher up it becomes tiered, that was a bit weird. As I neared the top I could hear a helicopter very loud above me but in the cloud. From the noise it was hovering, had I set off my alarm? It stayed for a few minutes before flying away. A break in the cloud and I spotted it, definitely the rescue helicopter from Inverness. The top is a pleasant carpet flat grassy plateau, nice walking. Some say it is one of the best viewing spots and I’m not going to disagree. A really pleasant spot to view many of the nearby Torridon peaks, the Fannichs and Fisherfield Munros and much more. Of course Fionn Bheinn can be included but a longer Bog crossing is required so not for me today.

Peat hag hell

Finish in sight

Section 4. From the top the vastness of the peat bog moorland becomes apparent. There appears to be a section to the right of the bog which has more dry land and even a faint path. Once down the path is a very faint ATV track which comes and goes but does eliminate a lot of the bog but certainly not all of it. Eventually I reached the new estate track which leads to a big fence and a locked gate. I followed it down until I spotted an old hydro outlet, crossed the burn here and followed the outward track back to the start.

Despite the terrain I really enjoyed my walk today. Fitness wise I felt good which always helps. The views were excellent. But it was the feeling of solitude and the sound of silence which was so rewarding. Apart from the sounds of the natural world there was minimal other noise to spoil the day, helicopter excepted.

Section

Ascent: 561m

Distance: 8.5km

Time: 3.34

Wildlife: Red Deer (hinds); Red Grouse; Oystercatcher; Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Chiffchaff; Common Lizard

More magnificent mountain vista for not much effort.....Bidein Clann Raonaild

Hill: Bidein Clann Raonaild
Type: Sub2k
Height; 466m
It has been a better than expected weather week but today is drizzly with low cloud but expected to improve. So doing the decent thing I said I would take the good lady on a tourist drive with a little surprise about half way round. An easy sub2k I'm sure she will be pleased!
Not long after the beautiful countryside around Achnasheen I pointed out a mast that I said we could walk to. No dissent so far.

Ominous starting gate

When we parked up we were almost beside a mast and I had to announce the bad news that this was not the one we were walking to.
The big gate had a large warning sign which concerned the good lady. Also the gate was locked but it did have a side opening. Walk back on.
Always disconcerting to start a walk with a descent but this was just a short one. Follow the right hand track into the trees. 

Pleasant forest track

A short pleasant walk but surprisingly no bird life. At least on the way back some damsels appeared but very quiet.

Can you spot the gap?

Out of the trees and we meet up with a large deer fence and a gate with 7 padlocks! No way she was climbing that but thankfully the wire had been cut to allow a dog/person entry.

Bleak moor but easy track

After that there is a clear track slowly rising and winding its way to the skyline at the top of moor where the mast should not be too far away. 

Sgurr Ruadh

Not a lot to say about that stretch other than there are super views particularly to your right and the Torridon and Applecross mountains.

The mast we want finally in sight

Every so often reassurance, be there soon darling, not sure she believed me! The mast is not seen until the last minute and the reward is the views over the Torridon Hills and down Glen Docherty to Loch Maree, breathtaking. 

Torridon vista

The good lady was delighted with this vista. The tracks visible rising to the Beinn Eighe massif with the Corbett Meall a' Ghiubhais. The Fannichs over on the right horizon.

Beinn Eighe & Ghiubhais on the right

A surprisingly large cairn but I suppose it is the the hill of the Clan Ranald so deserves better than just the mast.
On the descent beautiful views down Loch a'Chroisg and the hills surrounding the area.
Once again breathtaking vistas for minimal effort, a well happy good lady. Now for some coffee and cake in a favourite Gairloch café if Covid hasn't closed it.
Wildlife: Raven; Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail
Ascent: 361m
Distance: 6.9km
Time: 2.06