A fine day for an outstanding hill.....Beinn Resipol

Hill: Beinn Resipol (Homestead)

Type: Corbett

Height: 845m

This was my 4^th attempt to bag this cracking hill which has been on my to-do list almost since I started hillwalking. On the other occasions my free day had been wet and/or cloudy but I was holding out for a clear weather day as I knew that the views would be spectacular and today was one such a day. The SMC book describes the view from the top as ‘ one of the finest views along the West Highland coastline’ so not too be missed.

There are two options for the ascent and I chose the one from Resipol caravan site which is arguably tougher, longer with a greater ascent as starting from sea level. But, you do have the conical view of the hill whereas from the eastern approach the summit is of the flatter ridge and not quite so scenic.

I had been warned that the walk from here could be a bog fest but I was confidant that after these weeks of no rain the going would be ok.

Lovely view down Loch Sunart at the start

I was aware that the caravan park had changed hands and was not sure about parking but good for them they have left space for about 5/6 cars for hill walkers.

It was a very quick boot change as the midgies were in full biting mode, wow, should I get my head net out?

Headed off through the beautiful oak woods full of birdsong and thankfully no midgies. A short open section before hitting a mixed natural wood, there was good shade for a while. I was struggling to get a good walking/breathing rhythm as the track steepened.

The boggy (dry) section

Out on the hillside I now had a view of the hill which it looked quite steep from here. This middle grassy section was the bog fest and although it had dried up considerably there were still many unavoidable boots in mud sections but a lot better than it might have been.

Then onto rougher ground following the right hand side of the Allt Mhic Chiarain where it enters a nice narrow gully. The track is very narrow at times and is easily lost particularly as the ascent steepens sharply and slight hands on sections add to the interest.

Looking ahead I could not see any obvious route but the as I gain height the track does begin to head towards the bealach on the left of the summit. It looked very craggy but I was sure a route would be there.

Large cairn is up there

A slight plateau is reached and you could head up at any spot as there were a few narrow grassy sections between the boulders.

Views east Ardgour Corbetts forefront Mamores behind

Loch Sunart

But I continued on the rising plateau until it almost drops away before making my meandering route upwards through the boulders to the top.

Loch Sunart to left Loch Shiel on the right

A short easy scramble leads to the top and its huge cairn. Then a wee scramble up the stones to the wooden pole marking the summit.

Loch Shiel back to Glenfinnan

The SMC description did not mislead. The views, despite the slight haze, did not disappoint. Quite stunning a widespread as the snaps show.

Back down via the lochan

Sadly up top the midgies had returned now supported by clegs, I killed two of them before deciding to down by the same route.

Eigg on left, Rum behind

Back at the car I was delighted to find that there was a breeze and it was midge free, yippee.

Today was a top ramble to a fine peak and I was so glad that I had waited for that blue sky day. Also worked up a good appetite for the taster menu at The Kilcamb Hotel which was only a few hours away.

Ascent: 868m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 4.56

Wildlife: Mistle Thrush; Greenshank; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Cuckoo (h); Woodpecker (h); Willow Warbler;

Ariundle woods and lead mines

We headed over to Strontian for a 3 day walking and cycling break but sods law the weather forecast was really poor, the reality was even worse, and the 3 day Plan A has already been scrapped. The forecast was so bad that I did not even take my bike.

Never mind, an internet search for low level walks threw up the lead mine trail which included the Ariundle woods. It is also the approach track for the Corbett Sgurr Dhomhnuill which I want to climb but not in these conditions.
The walk normally begins at the nature reserve car park but as we were staying at the Strontian hotel we walked from there after a very good breakfast.
As we exited the hotel door the rain arrived so we immediately sat on the bench outside the hotel and waterproof leggings on (more of that later).
Various options but we walked the road taking in the interesting array of houses and crofts, a few stalls outside some with signs for fresh eggs, jams etc which can be bought on the way back, honesty boxes. When we looked in one the two egg boxes were empty, had someone took the eggs and left the boxes?

There is a good track through the woods which today was boggy at times but considering the rain we have had no surprise there.
The woods are a fine example of ancient coastal Atlantic woodland. As soon as you are in the woods you get the feeling of authenticity, this is how a traditional mixed woodland should be. Massive oak trees dominate but plenty of smaller birch and larch as well as many others. Not planted in uniform lines so a natural environment. 

In the damp atmosphere deep moss clings to trees and boulders, habitat for millions of bugs and insects but there are relatively few birds around to take advantage of this feast. Low level birds were few and far between, wrens, thrushes and blackbirds the ones we spotted. If you are into your flora & fauna this is a place for you, the diversity is huge. I would love to walk a wood like this with an expert eye. We must miss so much, still that's for another life. 
There are a few examples of these solid boulder dividing lines. Not sure if these are legacies of the industrial past or land boundaries. Either way they would have taken a lot of manual labour toll and strife building these on slopes angled as much as these.
The track continually rises but at an easy steady gradient, the missus is happy. Despite the inclement weather outside, under the trees it is humid. There are a few options to branch off and head down to the river and meet the path below but from what we can see it looks pretty damp and exposed so we will leave that for better weather. At least under the tree canopy the constant rain does not penetrate so much.

River Strontian

As we approach the top end of the woods there are now occasional gaps in the trees giving us glimpses of the hills and glen, views which would be even better on a blue sky day.

Looking down I spot some small very dark scat on the track. It is fresh as some flies are still interested. It looks like there are some berries in the mix. Not sure what but pine martin must be a possibility. This is also a habitat of genuine wildcats. I suppose stoat/weasel are other options.

Some signs that the seasons are already changing, some of the ferns are turning orange-brown and rowan trees with their red berries which are prominent and normally only appear at the end of summer, not that we have had one this year.

Just before you break out into the open landscape you have to cross a wooden bridge that has clearly seen better days. Rotten wooden planks and gaps let you see down into the gorge below without looking over the barriers. Not a long way down but enough to do damage to a fragile human body.

The views are superb, even on this bleak day. The Corbett and its impressive outlying ridges, one day I will be climbing you! Down in the glen cattle are munching happily away, some traditional Highlanders and mostly black Aberdeen Angus I presume. The river is running fast and full and again no clear path can be seen, very wet and hard going.

After about a mile we reach the lead mine ruins. We potter about but did not find the lead mine entrance indicated on the sign board, the rain and wind made hanging about a disincentive so in fairness we did not look too hard.

Lead mines

We returned by the same route and were glad to reach the sanctuary of the hotel, now when does the bar open? As it was still warm I had taken my lighter golf leggings which were not up to these conditions so damp trousers. My new Jack Wolfskin jacket had let in water through the top zip so another item to be returned. Why are so many items of outdoor clothing not fit for purpose?
Still a wet, windy but an enjoyable tramp exploring a new setting and its views.
The Ariundle centre has home baking on offer so after a change guess where we are going.
Time: 4.08
Distance: 9.62 (15.48km)
Ascent: 1206 (368m)