The Munros

I recently completed my round of the Munros (mountains in Scotland that are 3000 feet above sea-level), it has taken me 10 years to complete and now I'd like to reminisce on my quest .

Where it all began...

So it all began way back in the summer of 2000, I was on a mini-bus tour travelling around the highlands of Scotland when I got word on the bus that if you were staying a full day in Fort William it was possible to climb Ben Nevis in a day-hike. Now I knew Ben Nevis to be the highest mountain in Britain (I also knew it was a Munro, having learned what a Munro was in my guidebook). Having decided that I'd give it a go, myself and an Australian guy I made friends with on the bus went for it, setting off from Fort William on a fine summer's day, after being out the night before around the pubs in town. We didn't set off until about 11am, and when we started on the path from Glen Nevis I can remember folks passing us making their way down and thinking to myself  what time did these guys set off?? anyway, we pressed on, sweating off the excesses of the previous evening's liquid refreshment. Eventually, we both made it to the summit along with many others, people of all ages and levels of fitness. I actually found the descent tougher than the walk up, but took my time and got back safely. I can pinpoint this as the exact moment that I got into hill-walking, having never previously set foot on a mountain in my life!

on the summit of Ben Nevis, 23 July 2000

at the Fort William backpackers hostel, after climbing Ben Nevis

Isle of Skye, May 2007 - a re-introduction and a lesson learned

Having got into hill-walking from that first time up Ben Nevis in 2000, I didn't return to Scotland for a walking holiday until 2007. In the meanwhile I'd been off hiking and trekking in foreign countries aswell as taking some weekends away in England and Wales. 

I went to the Isle of Arran for a few days at Easter 2007 (no Munros there, but magnificent hills) and got the taste for exploring more hills in Scotland. The beautiful Isle of Skye was the next place I chose to visit, and having waited out a couple of bad weather days at the Sligachan bunkhouse, I set off to climb Sgurr nan Gillean, attempting to reach the summit via the south-east ridge and having got to within a stone's throw of the summit found my way to the top thwarted by steep rocks that would be difficult for me to climb, and more problematic to down-climb, knowing that I'd have to return by the route of ascent, so I turned back, and it occurred to me there and then that if I was to conquer the peaks of the Skye Cuillin I might need some expert help in doing so.

However, un-deterred I had not given up of getting up a summit or two on the mighty Cuillin ridge, and from the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel I went for a walk with a lady named Ursula whom I'd met at the hostel that morning. We set off on the path up to Sgurr na Banachdich and made it up to the summit, it felt so good to be up there on such a nice day and we continued along the ridge, traversing over Sgurr Thormaid and up to Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh (another Munro) then safely negotiating the tricky descent to An Dorus and nipping up to Sgurr Mhadaidh, making that 3 Munro summits for the day. I even indulged in the rare luxury of bathing in a rock pool on the way back down.

looking south on the Cuillin ridge from Sgurr na Banachdich

getting to grips with the Cuillin ridge

So that was my 2nd, 3rd and 4th Munros in the bag, not that I was thinking about bagging Munros at that time - far from it - I was just happy to be out on the hills and happier still to be up on the Cuillin ridge, in fact I hadn't even realized I'd done 3 Munros that day (plus 2 Munro tops), until Ursula pointed it out to me, on the way back down.

Hogmanay and a big hill

At the end of 2007 the way my days off fell I had an extra long weekend for the new year, wanting to go somewhere and do a hill or two, I booked into SYHA Crianlarich (somewhere that was to become quite familiar in the following years). On 30 December I went up Ben More, (big mountain in Scot's Gaelic) slipping about on the icy rocks of the summit ridge. Made it to the top, in mist. Daylight seeps away so early in the north at that time of year. That evening I got chatting with a chap at the hostel, who said he'd got a hill in mind for the following day, when the forecast was for extensive low cloud. The hill in question, he said was one many baggers save for a poor weather day because of the ease of terrain and navigation, so I agreed to join him. The hill was quite a way from Crianlarich, and admittedly not one I would have chosen myself, but George was offering to drive, and off we went, past Killin and down into Glen Lochay for our hill, Meall Ghaordaidh. We made it to the top in mist and drizzle, to my surprise, another group of folks turned up when we were on the top.
Back to the hostel, where I remember taking a snooze in a comfy chair, then going out to the local pub, The Rod and Reel, where it just seemed like any other new year's eve to me. Probably would have been better off staying at the hostel, the party was still in full swing when I retired from the pub.

Cobbling a few hills together

February 2008, and these Scottish hills seem to have a bit of a hold on me. I'd heard about the Arrochar Alps the year before from a bloke who lived in Helensburgh. I booked 2 nights in a b&b in Arrochar, and whilst I was there, I had a superb day out on the hill, climbing The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) and Beinn Narnain (Munro #7, for those of you who are counting)

on The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain in background

summit of The Cobbler, with Ben Lomond in background

Ben Lomond from the ascent of The Cobbler

After my frolics on The Cobbler and bumbling over Beinn Narnain, my next stop was Glencoe, I'd booked in for the rest of that week at the SYHA Glencoe, a fine establishment within striking distance of a fair few hills and staggering distance of the (inn)famous Clachaig Inn clachaig.com

On my first day there, I made the bold decision the head for the closest big hill, Sgurr nam Fiannaidh. Not a bad choice, but my route of ascent, up the real steep stuff, straight opposite the pub, was horrifically steep, with broken rock and scree making it even more difficult. I made it up to the top (Munro  #8) but then walked the very enjoyable ridge all the way to The Pap of Glencoe, absorbing the fantastic views on this perfect winter's day.

Clachaig Gully

Loch Leven from Sgurr nam Fiannaidh

Ben Nevis from Sgurr nam Fiannaidh

Loch Leven on the descent from The Pap of Glencoe

Above the village of Ballachulish there are two Munros, Sgorr Dearg and Sgorr Dhonuill that are known more commonly as Beinn 'a Bheithir, I was hoping to walk these fine hills and was lucky to meet two lads at the hostel who were intending to do them also, so we went together, starting from Glenachulish then up through the forest and emerging out into the high Coire to the north-west of the summit of Sgorr Dhonuill, the top of the Coire being just a short distance from the summit. The ridge walk from here was an absolute delight, over Sgorr Dearg, with superb views back along the ridge from Sgorr Ban (a minor summit), making a descent from Beinn Bhan to Ballachulish then walking alongside the road back to Glenachulish where the lads had parked their car.

looking west from Sgorr Dhonuill (Beinn a' Bheithir)

Sgorr Dearg from Sgorr Dhonuill

Sgorr Dhearg east ridge

Sgorr Dhearg from Sgorr Bhan

My first real taste of winter

Having got a few hills around Glencoe under my belt, and feeling somewhat confident, I decided to take a hike up into the Lost Valley, and see how far I could get.

Lost Valley, Glencoe

Plodding on up the valley, I reached the snowline where it was time to put the crampons on. Following footprints in the snow, I emerged on a high col in between Bidean nam Bian and it's satellite peak, Stob Coire nan Lochan.

ridge to Stob Coire nan Lochan

Bidean nam Bian from Stob Coire nan Lochan

on Stob Coire nan Lochan summit

Whilst on the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan, I met a family of three, that had ascended up from the ridge. I walked with them to the summit of Bidean nam Bian.

Bidean nam Bian

on Bidean nam Bian summit

From the summit of Bidean, we continued along the ridge to another satellite peak, Stob Coire nam Beith, from there we made a steep descent into the Coire, and my first ever use of an ice-axe to aid the descent. The path at the foot of the Coire brought us out close to the road that leads down to Glencoe village, and we called in at The Clachaig for a drink before I went back to the youth hostel. Later that evening, I returned to the pub for a beer-tasting session, where I was plied with free ale courtesy of the Isle of Skye brewery. After sampling 6 bottles of their fine brews, I staggered back to the hostel for a much needed sleep.

descent into Coire nam Beitheach

On the last day of my stay, I walked out from the hostel and followed the main road to the track that leads to Gleann Leac na Muidhe, with objective being a solitary Munro, Sgurr na h-Ulaidh. After having a week of fine weather, this was one of those days when you get nothing in the way of views from high up, but I got the hill done and returned home more than happy with my efforts, and added 6 Munros to my tally.




A Spring bagging spree

The last week of May 2008, and I travelled to Fort William by way of some ridiculously cheap coach fares. Stayed 2 nights at Chase The Wild Goose Hostel, in Banavie. On the first day there, I hitched a lift along the Glen Nevis road, and the chap that gave me a lift accompanied me on the hills. We did the 'Ring of Steall', a magnificent round of 4 Munros in the Mamores. Starting off with Sgurr a' Mhaim, then following The Devil's ridge to Sgurr an Iubhair and up to Am Bodach. It was a fantastic day and the views were amazing - this has to be one of the finest circuits of all the Munros in Scotland.

me, on Sgurr a' Mhaim

view from Sgurr a' Mhaim

Stob Ban from Sgurr a' Mhaim

Stob Coire a' Chairn from Am Bodach

Devils' Ridge of Sgurr a' Mhaim

On day 2, I did Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg. Starting the walk from Glen Nevis, I followed the mountain path up to the 'halfway lochan' then followed the contours and descended to cross the Allt a' Mhuillin and picked out a faint path leading up to the ridge, passing over Carn Dearg Meadhonach to the Munro summit of Carn Mor Dearg. The Arête linking Carn Mor Dearg with Ben Nevis looked a delightful prospect from here, I found it best to stick to the crest of the ridge and the scrambling was not difficult.

Carn Mor Dearg Arête

From the end of the ridge it was just a clamber up to the top of Ben Nevis. I didn't hang around too long on the top, but the views were magnificent, here's one of the Ring of Steall

view from Ben Nevis summit

Ring of Steall from Ben Nevis

I left the summit of Ben Nevis at 3:40 pm, and had a bus to catch to Shiel Bridge at 6:40. Therefore, in 3 hours I had to descend The Ben, stop for a sandwich on the way down. Had to run the way from Glen Nevis back into Fort William and just about made it in time to catch my bus.

Day 3, The Five Sisters of Kintail

For my the rest of my week away I stayed at Ratagan Youth Hostel
There were many other walkers staying there, and one of them kindly gave me a lift up the road to the start of the 5 Sisters walk. It was a steep walk up to the Bealach an Lapain and the first Munro, Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, but there was a fine views of the peaks ahead.

5 Sisters of Kintail ridge

Sgurr na Carnach and Sgurr Fhuaran

Sgurr nan Saighead from Sgurr Fhuaran

The walk was splendid, all the way along to Sgurr na Moraich from where I made a descent westwards to the road back to Shiel Bridge, stopping for a pint in the Kintail Lodge Hotel on the way back.

on Sgurr na Moraich

One of the benefits of staying at the Ratagan youth hostel, besides it's handy location for the hills was it's splendid Lochside location on the shore of Loch Duich, looking across to the 5 sisters.

5 Sisters of Kintail at sunset from Ratagan

Alpenglow on the Five Sisters, from Ratagan youth hostel

Sunsets from here are astoundingly beautiful

Day 4, Forcan ridge and The Saddle

The forecast for the day was for rain to be coming in, but it was dry in the morning and I got a lift up the road to the start of the walk and I set off up the path to Meallan Odhar from where you get a good view of the Forcan Ridge. I soon found myself getting to grips with the ridge - proper hands-on-rock scrambling. I skirted around a 'bad step' high up on the ridge, to the left side, avoiding a difficult down-climb. From there it was easy progress to the summit of Sgurr na Forcan and The Saddle, but by the time I got to the top the cloud had closed in, and the rain had arrived. It was a soggy walk back to the Hostel, but I'd got another one in the bag and felt that I'd done well on a less than promising day.

Forcan Ridge

Day 5, The Three Brothers

I was accompanied on this walk by a lad from the hostel, Jimmy from Lincolnshire. We went in his car to the Cluanie Inn. On observing the MWIS forecast, I thought it would be a benefit to have a later start, since it was supposed to clearing up later in the day. Anyway, we set off from The Cluanie with the tops in cloud and we got no views from the first two Munros (Aonach Meadhoin and Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirg), but when we got to the 3rd Munro, Saileag, it was beginning to clear up and very soon all the summits were cloud free.

5 Sisters of Kintail on descent from Saileag

Day 6, The South Kintail Ridge

I'd read in a book that it was possible to do no less than 7 Munros in one day on this ridge, and with a favourable day's weather forecast, I thought it was worth a go. I got a lift up to the Cluanie Inn, and started walking at 9am. It's a bit of a walk around on a fine stalker's path to gain the path up to Creag 'a Mhaim. It took me 2 and a half hours to get up there and having done the hard work, I could now look forward to a magnificent ridge-walk.

on Creag a' Mhaim, with the South Kintail ridge behind me

In no time at all I was up on the summit of Druim Shionnach, just an easy bimble  along the ridge.

looking back to Creag a' Mhaim from Druim Shionnach

Aonach air Chrith from Druim Shionnach

looking back along the ridge from Aonach air Chrith

looking forward along the ridge from Aonach air Chrith

Sgurr an Doire Leathain

Loch Quoich and the Glen Dessary hills

Sgurr an Lochain

view from Creag nan Damh

It was the sort of day when I like to take my time, linger on the summits, get the map out and pick out surrounding hills. It was almost 8pm by the time I got down to the road, and when I did I was still some miles away from the hostel, but I managed to hitch a lift down to Shiel Bridge. Another successful day.

To sum up my week, I'd climbed 20 Munros in a week, taking me up to 32 in total.

West Highland Winter

February 2009, and I'm taking the train from Stoke with my bicycle, have all my conformation codes (none of which I was ever asked for), need to change trains several times, one of those changes was at Manchester Piccadilly. The Glasgow bound train I boarded there was a rush hour commuter service stopping at many stations, it was packed of course, and there was me, with bicycle taking up seated spaces in the designated cycle stowage area. Eventually the train empties out a bit , and me and bike have a relaxing journey to Glasgow, where I break the journey and stay the night at a B&B in the west end.

The next morning I'm on a train going North on the scenic West Highland line, taking me to Tulloch station, my base for the next few days staying at Tulloch Station Lodge where the old station building has been converted into an hostel. Secluded and peaceful, and a good base for the nearby hills - I would return to stay here on other occasions in the future, but for now and with only my bicycle as means of getting around, my sights were set on the closest Munros.

Above the hamlet of Fersit and to the East of Loch Trieg are the two Munros, Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg. These were target on day 1, and after a recent arctic blast there was snow down to low levels. Though the lower of the two, Sgriodian is steeper and rougher but made a better choice of ascent. It was a bright day, with only a few clouds in the sky, but a cold wind.

Stob Coire Sgriodain

From Sgriodain it was an easy walk to Chno Dearg, and an even easier descent from Chno's gentle slopes. Lower down I found my way to a forest track that lead to Laggan Dam, just a short distance from Tulloch.

Beinn Teallach and Beinn a' Chaorrain, on descent from Chno Dearg

The following day I cycled up the short distance to the start of the walk to Beinn Teallach, left the bike at the entrance to the woodland and made my way through the woods to the open hill-side then up the gentle southern flank of the hill. There was a cold wind on the summit, so I abandoned any notions of continuing on to Beinn a' Chaorainn and went back down the way I came.

Stob Coire Sgriodain and Loch Trieg from Beinn Teallach

The Loch Trieg Munros

The Easains

Beinn Teallach

Tyndrum, By The Way

A few stops down the line is the village of Tyndrum, a good base with a nice independent hostel By the way There are many Munros nearby, you can walk out to some of them. On my first day I went up Beinn Dubhcraig from Dalrigh, had good views of Ben Lui

Ben Lui from Beinn Dubhchraig

 On my second day I went up Beinn Challum, was in the mist on the top - could not even see the summit from the south top, but I did take this rather fetching selfie.

selfie on Beinn Challum

A day to remember on Ben Lui

I cycled down the Cononish track and left the bike by the farm then followed the track onwards to cross the burn then headed for the Allt coire Laoigh, emerging from the coire onto the south ridge of Ben Lui. The summit looked magnificent from there. After spending some time on the summit, mist started to form in the valley, and with bright sun behind me I witnessed the rare phenomenom of a Brocken Spectre for the first time ever. I retraced my steps along the south ridge to the bealach and went up the neighbouring Munro, Ben Oss. Got no views from the top of that one, went back down to the bealach and descended into Coire Laoigh. Hurtled back down the icy track on the bike (it's a wonder that I never fell off!), then back to Tyndrum along the West Highland Way.

Ben Lui from Cononish

Ben Lui from the south ridge

Ben Lui and me

Ben Lui north top

Ben Lui summit from the north top

Brocken Spectre on Ben Lui summit

looking back to Ben Lui summit

A 'Braw' day on the Bridge of Orchy Munros

I took the train up to Bridge of Orchy from Tyndrum and headed straight up to the bealach then to Beinn Dorain

Beinn Dorain summit ridge 

Ben Lui hills from Beinn Dorain 

Beinn Dorain from Beinn an Dothaidh 

on Beinn an Dothaidh summit, one of my favourite photos of myself 

looking towards the Black Mount on the descent from Bridge of Orchy hills

It was one of those days that you don't want to end, spectacular views all day long, not too cold even though it was February, there was hardly a breath of wind. That view over Rannoch Moor with wispy clouds streaking across the azure blue sky takes some beating. I enjoyed my post-wall pint at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, for sure.

Sadly, that was it for hill-walking on this trip, the clouds were down for my last few days, so I just did a bike ride through Glen Orchy and took a beginners ski lesson at Glencoe (not my thing, I'll stick to walking the hills).


Tremendous Torridon

May 2009, and I'm flying to Inverness from East Midlands airport, with my sights set on the Torridon mountains. My journey involved taking a train to Strathcarron then a bus to Glen Torridon, I'd be staying a few nights at the Torridon Youth Hostel There I met Norman, a Canadian Hong Kong Chinese guy who joined me on some of my walks.
On the first day when we got there we went for an afternoon walk up to Beinn na h-Eaglaise a small peak to the south of Glen Torridon, with great views to the bigger hills on the north side of the Glen

Loch Torridon

Liatach and Beinn Eighe

Beinn Alligin from Beinn na h-Eaglaise

Alpenglow on Beinn na h-Eaglaise from Torridon Youth Hostel

The next day we did Liatach, walked out from the hostel up the road to the start of the hill path and up steeply to the crest of the ridge, just below Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig.
Had a perfect day for it, as can be seen from the photos. I forgot to bring my hat and got a bit sunburnt, enjoyed the ridge though, stuck to the crest as much as possible. Didn't fancy that lower traversing path that looked quite loose, in fact the worst part of the day was the scree on descent from Mullach an Rathain.

Beinn Eighe from Stuc a Coire Dhuibh Bhig

Spidean a' Choire Leith (Liathach)

Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg

Beinn Eighe from Spidean a' Choire Leith

Am Am Fasarinen pinnacles, Liatach

Spidean a' Choire Leith and The Pinnacles, from Mullach an Rathain, Liathach

 Northern pinnacles, Mullach an Rathain

Beinn Alligin from Mullach an Rathain

Next up was Beinn Alligin, we walked out to it from the hostel,from the road then up a fine path that leads to the hills.

 Beinn Alligin

Beinn Dearg

Took the path that leads to the Horns of Alligin, bit of scrambling to get up there with good views of the two Munros, but the views really opened out looking over Loch a Bhealaich and Baosbheinn

 Tom na Gruagaich

Sgurr Mhor

Loch a Bhealaich and Baosbheinn

Liatach

After a steady climb up to Sgurr Mhor, the views got even better, with the neighbouring ranges on one side and the Skye Cuillin on the other

 Tom na Gruaghaich, Skye Cuillin in the background

In the foreground - Horns of Alligin.

Middle - Beinn Dearg

Background - Beinn Eighe

From Sgurr Mhor we descended the grassy slope to the saddle where on the way down a gigantic gash in the rock framed the view below

 Eag Dubh

Sgurr Mhor and The Horns of Alligin

The wind was really blowing with some force by the time we'd reached the summit of Tom na Greagaich, so we sheltered just below for a little while before making our descent into Coir nan Laogh and back down to the road and back to the hostel, walking into a fierce head-wind.

On my last full day in Torridon, I completed my set by bagging Beinn Eighe. I was kindly offered a lift to the car park for the start of the track into Coire Dubh Mor, a fine path which gradually gained height and I was helped along by a strong tail-wind. After around 2 hours I was up into Coire Mhic Fhearchair, passing an impressive waterfall on the way up. Followed the path around the eastern shore of the Lochan and aimed for the ridge inbetween the Triple Buttress and Sail Mhor, it wasn't too steep an ascent on mostly grassy slopes, on the way up I spotted part of the wreckage of that Lancaster Bomber that crashed here years ago.

 Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair

From the ridge itself it was only a short hike up to Sail Mhor crossing over some large slabs and rocks and fighting a fierce easterly wind that almost blew me away! Had great views of the North side of Liathach from Sail Mhor

 Liatach

Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin, from Sail Mhor on Beinn Eighe

 Coinneach Mhor and Trpile Buttress, from Sail Mhor, Beinn Eighe

Back along the ridge and to get up to Coinneach Mhor involved a bit of a scramble, but it was nowhere near as difficult as it looked from lower down, plenty of good hand in footholds on the rock.

 Rock face of Coinneach Mhor on Beinn Eighe

From the plateau of Coinneach Mhor, I had a good view of the ridge ahead, so I headed along to Ruadh-Stac Mhor, a bit of a detour from the main ridge but worth the effort to reach the summit and I was rewarded with fine views of the Coinneach Mhor cliffs and Triple Buttress.

 looking east on Beinn Eighe, from Coinneach Mhor

 Raudh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

 Coinneach Mor and Triple Buttress from Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinnn Eighe

 looking east on Beinn Eighe, from Spidean Coire nan Clach

 looking west on Beinn Eighe, from Spidean Coire nan Clach

looking south on the descent from Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Back to the ridge it was a good ridge walk along to Spidean Coire nan Clach over 2 smaller peaks along the way. Would've liked to continued the walk along the ridge but time was getting on, so I decided to make my descent on the path into Coire an Laoigh. In hindsight I wish I'd carried on along and completed the whole traverse of the ridge, but I was a bit concerned about getting back. As it turned out, about a minute after I'd reached the road a car stopped and gave me a lift all the way back to the Hostel.

This was just about it for my trip to Torridon, I spent one night in Achnasheen on the way back to Inverness. Had a go at Fionn Bheinn but turned back because the weather was not good, I hadn't even got halfway up and you couldn't see a thing. That one could wait.

Glencoe in Autumn 2009

After my initial taste of the Glencoe hills in February of the year before, I'd been looking forward for some time to a return visit. Booked in at the SYHA hostel for the week and drove up in my brand new Kia Rio.

On my first day (Monday 5th October) the cloud was down to around 1000 metres, but the wind was negligible, so I decided that it would be the best day for me to do the Aonach Eagach. From the stiff climb up to Am Bodach, I was soon getting to grips with this exhilirating ridge-walk (if you can call it a walk), the rock was damp and a bit slippy, so I was taking great care to make sure that I had good hand and foot-holds. Once I'd conquered the "crazy pinnacles", I knew that the hardest part was behind me and from here it was a straight-forward walk to Sgorr nam Fiannaidh, on the descent I picked my way down steep grassy and rocky slopes and found a decent path that bought me out by the turning for Glencoe village. Followed the track along side the River Coe back to my car.

 Approaching Meall Dearg, on the Aonach Eagach

 Looking towards Stob Coire Leith and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh from the Crazy Pinnacles. Aonach Eagach

 Looking along the Crazy Pinnacles to Meall Dearg on the Aonach Eagach

Aonach Eagach from Sgorr nam Fiannaidh

On Tuesday, I was joined by a friend who wanted to do walk but nothing too dramatic - so we chose Buachaille Etive Beag (The wee Buachaille), our intention was to follow the path alongside Allt Lairig Eilde, but the river was in spate - so we headed up to Mam Buidhe, then along the ridge to Stob Dubh. Got caught in a brief shower that passed through, but did benefit from seeing a nice rainbow over Stob Coire Raineach. We continued on up to the summit and back down to Mam Buidhe and back to the car through a boggy patch where the path is being re-built.

 Stob Dubh, Buachaille Etive Beag, Glencoe

 Buachaille Etive Mor, from Buachaille Etive Beag

 Rainbow over Buachaille Etive Beag

 Rainbow over Buachaille Etive Beag

Me on Stob Coire Raineach

For the next few days I accompanied by a friend of mine that resides on Mull, but had got some spare time and came over to join me for a few walks. On Wednesday we did Buachaille Etive Mor (with her two Lakeland Terriers). This is a great walk, we took the path up into Coire na Tulaich and then up to the summit of Stob Dearg, from where we could see fresh snow on Ben Nevis and Aonach Beag. After stopping for lunch here we had an enjoyable walk along the ridge to Stob na Broige, with stunning views of the Bidean massif, and down into Glen Etive. After the steep descent into Coire Altruim the way back to the car alongside Lairig Gartain was more bog than path!

 Buachaille Etive Mor

 Mountains of Glencoe from Buachaille Etive Mor

Buachaille Etive Mor from Stob na Broige 

An interesting footnote to this day's walk, and something I only realized many years later when counting the exact order I'd done my Munros in, was that Stob na Broige on Buachaille Etive Mor was my 50th Munro.

The forecast was good for Thursday, so we decided to do Ben Starav. It was a long drive into Glen Etive and we didn't get cracking until 10 o'clock. Was a bit of a "walk in", but great views of Starav and it's neighbouring mountains. Once we got going on to the path up the hill, it was a good walk on Starav's north ridge with some easy scrambling to get to the summit. Didn't get great views from the top, some mist came across to obscure some of the view. It was good fun going along the narrow, rocky arete to Stob Coire Dhearg. From the bealach, we continued the walk up to Glas Bheinn Mhor, after ascending in the mist, it cleared when we reached the summit, and the visibility was extremely good. If we had more time we could have continued "Munro bagging", but it was getting late, so we headed back to the car. It was particularly wet and boggy on this descent, would love to have continued along the ridge a bit more - some other time maybe...

Glas Bheinn Mhor and Ben Starav

 ridge on Ben Starav, Glas Bheinn Mhor

Ben Starav from Glas Bheinn Mhor

Friday brought in strong winds but decent visiblilty, we took a walk into the Lost Valley, and from there, up a steep, grassy slope (avoiding the crags) onto the Beinn Fhada ridge. Felt the full force of the wind up on the ridge - had to take care not to get blown away on it's more exposed reaches. Had a bit of a scramble to get onto the ridge leading up to Stob Coire Sgreamach, from there it was an easy walk down to the bealach and up to Bidean nam Bian. Didn't hang around for long at the summit as the weather started to close in (had ice-cold rain lashing me in the face). Continued on up to Stob Coire nan Lochan, then down onto the ridge that leads to Gearr Aonach and descended into Coire nan Lochan. It was a rough path to begin with on the descent from the Coire, but some nice waterfalls to look at on the way down. After a while, the path improved and led all the way back to the car park.

 Stob Coire Sgreamach, Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire nan Lochan

 Stob Coire Sgreamach and Bidean nam Bian

 Lost Valley, from Stob Coire Sgreamach

Bidean nam Bian, from Stob Coire Sgreamach

Saturday morning started brightly as we started out from Kinlochleven to do a walk in the Mamores. Following a good track heading towards Loch Eilde Mor, we branched off and headed uphill on a good path up to Sgurr Eilde Beag, where we hit the mist - and were in it all the the way to the summit of Binnein Mor. On our return to the south top, the mist lifted to reveal some views for a few moments. We pressed on along the Mamores ridge to Na Gruagaichean - zero visibilty from here, and after a bite to eat we continued along the ridge, descending sharply to a col and then over Na Gruagaichean's north top (getting buffeted by strong winds) and from the next bealach descended south-westwards to head back towards Mamore Lodge.

 Binnein Mor

Binnein Mor, from the Mamores ridge

The Mamores ridge looking towards Na Gruagaichean

After an heavy night at the Clachaig Inn, Sunday didn't turn out as I'd planned; was going to do Stob a' Choire Odhar and Stob Ghabar, but after the excesses of the previous night - that was never going to happen. But, after the overnight rains it turned out to be a lovely day, so in the afternoon I took a drive up to the King's House and went up Beinn a' Chrulaiste. Steep climb up but fine views from the top, though it was cold in the wind. Continued the walk over Meall Bhalach, then followed the track back to the King's House. Jumped into my car for the short drive down to Tyndrum, for the last night of my holiday.

The forecast was very good for the Monday, so I took advantage of the prevailing conditions and did an half-day walk before the big dive home. Went up Beinn a' Chleibh - a hill I'd not been up before. Started from the car park off the A85, was very boggy and not a lot of fun until I emerged from the forest when the views opened up and the conditions underfoot improved. In less than 2 hours from leaving my car I was on the summit and admiring the views far and around. Made my way back the same way as I'd come up. Had a brew, then hit the road.

Quite a long drive back for me, stopped for dinner at a carvery pub on the A82 near Dumbarton, bit of a find that was - £3.50 for a roast dinner. Made a pig of myself and had pudding aswell!

February 2010, a trip to the Cairngorms and Monadliath

Made the journey to Aviemore by train with bike, I stayed a few nights at Cairngorm Lodge didn't use the bike at all whilst I was there, except to fix a puncture. Walked out to Bynack More via the Ryvoan pass, didn't get any views from the summit, but it was good visibility a little bit lower down and I saw a nice sunset on the way back.

 Heading up Bynack More

 Bynack More summit ridge. the clouds teased to lift then closed in

 clearing skies on the descent from Bynack More

 Strath Nethy

sunset over Glenmore forest

Up to Lurcher's Crag and through The Gap with Skye

Not a Munro, but a fine day on hills well worth recalling. When I set off from the hostel that morning the cloud was down low and I wasn't expecting to have an enjoyable day and it was snowing a bit as I walked along the track towards Rothiemurcus Lodge.

As I approached the Lodge I was greeted by a wee doggie, I sat down on a bench to have a cup of tea and a bite to eat and saw that the dog had it's name, Skye on it's collar tag. I gave her a fig roll and a piece of chocolate. She's a friendly dog and liked to be stroked. 

Skye

Time for me to press on, so I headed on away from the lodge, only to be followed by my new friend. Saw a guy walking towards me, and he called Skye. I asked him if he was the dog's owner, but he wasn't, anyway, we tried to get Skye to follow him back towards the Lodge, but she just would not. So I said to the guy that I was staying at the hostel in Glenmore, and if Skye followed me all the way around my walk that I'd call the Lodge from there so they could collect her.

Conitinued my walk, with Skye in tow. I had intended to just go up through the Chalamain Gap and then head down towards Glenmore, but at around 1 o'clock the clouds started to lift and I had a re-think on my intended route, looked at the map and saw a possible way up to Creag an Leth-choin (Lurcher's Crag). Got a good view of the Crag from the point above Lairig Ghru.

 heading up to the Lairig Ghru

 Lurcher's Crag

 The Lairig Ghru

 Lairig Ghru

 Lurcher's Crag

 Sron na Lairige

 Craiggowrie - Meall A' Bhuachaille ridge

 Cliffs above Coire an Lochan

The views really opened up at the summit, from the Meall a' Bhuachaille group, over the Cairngorm plateau and down into Lairig Ghru. It's a sheer drop from the top of the Crag and I didn't dare to go close to the edge!

 Looking down into Larig Ghru from Lurcher's Crag summit

 Skye on Lurcher's Crag summit cairn

 Lairig Ghru from Lurcher's Crag

Lurcher's Crag summit

 

Skye, below Lurcher's Crag summit

Made our way down from Lurcher's Crag down the gentle slopes into Coire an Leth-choin, I was intending to head for the road from the ski station into Glenmore, but descended too far and came to a ravine. At this point, I could see the Chalamain Gap, so I thought that I might aswell go that way back and walk Skye back home.

 Chalamain Gap

 looking north-east from Chalamain Gap

 looking west from Chalamain Gap

Was dark when I finally returned Skye to her rightful owners, and a chap that was staying there kindly gave me a lift back to the hostel.

I finished the week in Newtonmore, cycled up the Glen road to tackle the 3 Munros, Carn Dearg, Carn Sgulain and A' Chailleach. From Glen Banchor, I followed the path alongside Allt Fionndrigh, crossed the river on a footbridge further up then made my way uphill heading for the saddle between Carn Dearg and Carn Ballach. From the saddle it was a short walk along the ridge to Carn Dearg's summit. The Monadliath hills get a bad press for being featureless hills, but I found Carn Dearg to be an attractive hill, with steep crags on it's eastern side and long, narrow ridge running north to south.

Glen road into the Monadliath

Gael Charn

 Carn Dearg

 Carn Dearg

 looking back at my footsteps on the way up to Carn Dearg

 ridge to Carn Dearg summit

 Carn Dearg summit

 A' Chailleach from Carn Sgùlain

 on Carn Sgùlain summit

from A' Chailleach, Sun setting over Carn Dearg, nice light on Geal Charn

As I retraced my steps along the ridge from the summit of Carn Dearg the mist descended, but the line of old fence posts made for a useful navigational aid, and I followed them all the way to the summit of Carn Sgulain. The mist began to clear and I got some nice views, particularly of the setting Sun. I made a descent to the bealach to the south-west of Carn Sgulain then up the north-western slopes of A' Chailleach, my 3rd Munro of the day. It was a fast descent down the easy southern flank of A' Chailleach to cross the Allt a' Chaorainn and follow a path back to the Glen road for cycle back to Newtonmore in the dark.

Easter 2010 and snow

Had a week of at the end of March, drove up after going to the Liverpool vs Sunderland fixture, a game memorable for a magnificent Fernando Torres goal

Broke the journey at Carlisle, then did Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) on the way up to Crianlarich. Went up from Ardlui, quite tough going, descended the same way I went up. It snowed heavily overnight, and in the morning I walked out to Cruach Ardrain from Crianlarich youth hostel through the forest and up into Coire Ardrain. I'd forgotten to bring my crampons so had to be very careful with my foot placements on the summit ridge. Got no views from the summit.

Cruach Ardrain

The next day was a lot better, I got a lift down the road to Ben Glas farm and followed the path up to Lochan Beinn Chabhair and then around the southern flank of the mountain. From the summit I descended the north ridge into Coire a' Chuilinn, then down to join the West Highland Way path to Crianlarich.

 Lochan Beinn Chabhair

 Lochan Beinn Chabhair

 Ben Lui hills from Beinn Chabhair

Ben More from the West Highland Way

Moving on from Crianlarich, I stayed a few days in Killin. 

The road to the Ben Lawers visitor centre was not passable, so I parked my car lower down in the forest then walked the rest of the way up. It was around 11 o'clock when I started the walk in earnest, the views were very clear - could see Beinn Ghlas right in front of me and Meall nan Tarmachan to the left with Meall Corranhaich in between.

Beinn Ghlas

It was a steady ascent to the bealach between Meall Corranhaich and Beinn Ghlas, I saw a chap below us plodding up on skis! Around the back of Beinn Ghlas it was quite icy and it was time to crampon-up for the traverse to the bealach below Ben Lawers, it was a good view down towards Glen Lyon and I got my first view of the top of Ben Lawers. Also a nice view back to Meall Corranhaich.

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas

looking down into Glen Lyon

Meall Corranaich

Ben Ghlas

Made it to the top and the views were extensive, particularly to the north, where it looked like it was clear on all of the summits.

view from Ben Lawers

on Ben Lawers summit

Stayed for a while on the summit, taking in the views, the wind was very cold though. The man on the skis was up there at the same time as me and I looked on in amazement as he ski'd back down towards the bealach! he said was going to ski down off Beinn Ghlas aswell.

I set off on foot for summit of Beinn Ghlas, enjoying the ridge walk and the surrounding views.

ascending Beinn Ghlas

looking back to Ben Lawers

From Beinn Ghlas it was a straight-forward descent down to the path that I'd followed on the way up from the Visitor centre.

An afternoon jaunt up Sgiath Chuil

Easter Saturday was a wet morning, it wasn't looking as though there would be much chance of me getting out on the hill. Had some lunch in the hostel then dozed off reading a book when I was awoken by warm sunlight streaming through the windows. Took a look outside to see that it was brightening up a fair bit, so I hastily got ready, jumped in the car and drove down the Glen Lochay road, parked down the end and set off for Sgiath Chuil, one of the two Munros to the south of the Glen. It must have been turned 3pm when I started walking along the track that runs alongside the River Lochay, managed to ford the river on the stepping stones then up past a lodge to gain the north ridge of the hill

Glen Lochay

Ascending Sgiath Chuil

Meall Glas

Sgiath Chuil summit ridge, Meall Ghaordaidh in background

on Sgiath Chuil summit

Didn't have enough time to carry on to Meall Glas, so I descended the way I came up. Daylight was fading when I got down to the Glen Lochay track.

The Tarmachan Ridge
Thought it would make sense to have a later start for this one, (aren't these light evenings great?) met up with my friend Rachel for breakfast in Killin. The ice had melted enough on the Ben Lawers road to be able to drive up to the visitor centre car park. Set off from there at around 11:30, the top of Meall nan Tarmachan was covered in cloud and on our ascent we disappeared into the mists for a while.

heading into the mist on Meall nan Tarmachan

 Didn't hang around for long on the summit of Meall nan Tarmachan, just to check the map to check direction to continue along the ridge. In no time at all we'd reached the airy summit of Meall Garbh and sat down there for a brew and a bite to eat. At around 2 pm, the clouds started to lift and we got some good views.

Meall Garbh ridge

on the Tarmachan ridge 

Meall nan Tarmachan, Meall Garbh

 After the descent of Meall Garbh the going became a bit easier on the approach to Beinn nan Eachan, the visiblity was continuing to improve too.

Tarmachan ridge from Meall Garbh to Beinn nan Eachan

Meall Garbh

Meall nan Tarmachan and Meall Garbh

ascending Beinn nan Eachan

Stopped for a cup of tea at the top of Beinn nan Eachan, looking back along the ridge, the views were amazing.

Tarmachan ridge from Beinn nan Eachan

After descending Beinn nan Eachan, the snow got patchier, so I took the crampons off for the reaminder of the walk. There were fine views of the way we'd been from Creag na Caillich and also over towards Ben More.

Ben More and Stob Binnein from Creag na Caillich

Loch Tay

Made our way down from the ridge to meet up with a track that would lead us back to the car park, the snow was a bit deeper here but it wasn't a bad walk back and the views were good, though Rachel remarked that we should've done this part of the walk when the tops were in the clag and we'd have had it clear all the way along the ridge...why didn't we think of that 6 hours earlier??

May 2010, a return to Tulloch

Bus to Glasgow, train to Tulloch. On my first day I walked out to Beinn a' Chaorainn, ascending the south-west ridge. Weather wasn't too bad - mostly cloudy but with good visibility 

Beinn a' Chaorainn

Creag Meagaidh

When I got to the top of Beinn a' Chaorainn I could see two people coming up behind me, I waited for them to catch up to see which way they were heading, it turned out they were heading for Creag Meagaidh. So I walked with them and they had a car parked at the foot of the hill and gave me a lift back to Tulloch

The next day I walked out to the two Munros above Loch Trieg, Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Coire Easain

Stob Coire Mheadoin and Stob Coire Easain

Stob Coire Easain

Stob  a' Choire Mheadhoin

on Stob Coire Easain

Stob Coire Easain

Beinn Teallach, Beinn a' Chaorrain, Lochan Dubh

It was a fine day and I had great views of the surrounding hills, on the top of Mheadhoin I encountered a group of old boys who were passing an hip-flask around, 'what's the occasion' I asked. It turned out to be one of the party's 200th Munro

The Grey Corries and The Aonachs

For a little while now, I'd been thinking about doing a bit different that what I'm used to doing in the Highlands, going somewhere that I can combine a classic ridge-walk with a high-level camp, and this route that I chose seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

I took the morning train down to Spean Bridge and from there set off towards Corriechoille and the Lairig Leachach. I arrived at the Bothy just after 1 o'clock (took me just over 3 hours from Spean Bridge) had some lunch outside the Bothy, then headed on up towards Stob Ban. Got a great view of the Grey Corries ridge, and beyond that Aonach Beag. Behind me was Stob Coire Easain (where I'd been the day before) and over to my left, The Mamores.

view of Grey Corries, on the way from Spean Bridge

track leading into Lairig Leachach

Lairig Leachach bothy and Stob Ban

Mamores from Stob Ban

Grey Corries ridge from Stob Ban

 Stob Choire Claurigh, Stob Coire Ceannain from Stob Ban

Stob Coire Easain and Stob Coire Mheadoin from Stob Ban

Descended the scree to the bealach, then walked steadily up to Stob Choire Claurigh. I got to the top at around 5.20, the views from here were amazing, could see all the way along the Grey Corries ridge, and beyond to the Aonachs and Ben Nevis. It felt so good to be up on the ridge, after doing all of the hard work in getting up there I felt that I was doing the finest part of the day's walk at the best part of the day.

The walk along the ridge itself is a belter, rocky but not scrambly, narrow in parts but not too exposed, and not losing much in height anywhere along the way. Anyway, while I was enjoying myself making progress along the ridge, I had to decide on a place where I could set up camp for the night, and I found a spot just down from the ridge at Bealach Coire Easain. Pitched my tent on a flat grassy area, close to where I could get some water, only drawback was that I was now out of the sunlight and it felt quite chilly with the stiff northerly breeze. Quickly ate some hot food then settled in for the night.

 looking west along the Grey Corries ridge from Stob Choire Claurigh

 Stob Coire na Ceannain from Stob Coire Claurigh

Stob Ban and view south from Stob Choire Claurigh

 Stob a' Choire Leith and Stob Choire Claurigh from Stob Coire Cath na Sine

 Sgurr Choinneach Mor, Stob Coire an Laoigh, Caisteal, from Stob Coire Cath na Sine

looking east along Grey Corries ridge from Caisteal

looking east on Grey Corries ridge from Stob Coire an Laoigh

wild-camp below Sgurr Choinneach Mor

Awoke at around 7:30, crawled outside to discover frost on the tent and ice on the small pools that were my water supply. Made myself a coffee and some porridge, packed the tent away then headed on up to Sgurr Choinneach Mor, within half an hour I was on the summit. Stopped for a while to enjoy the views, then continued to the minor summit, Sgurr Choinneach Beag. It looked like quite a drop in height down to the bealach, more so when I looked at the height I would have to gain to ascend Aonach Beag.

 Sgurr Choinneach Beag and Aonach Beag

Aonach Mor

looking east on Grey Corries ridge from Sgurr Choinneach Mor

Ring of Steall

 Sgurr Choinneach Mor

Sgurr Choinneach Beag and Aonach Beag

After having some elevenses at the bealach, I contoured around Coire Bealaich then climbed up a steep, grassy gully just below Sgurr a' Bhuic, then followed a path that skirted the cliffs of Aonach Beag all the way up to the snow-covered summit. Could feel that there would soon be a change in the weather, and there was a brief snow shower on the way up. Didn't stick around too long at the summit, then pressed on to Aonach Mor and sat down for a bit of lunch. My exertions were beginning to take their toll on me and by now I was feeling very tired, it seemed like a long walk down from Aonach Mor, alongside the ski area and past the gondola and down the mountain bike tracks to the Nevis range car park. Walked to the main road, then got a lift to Fort William and found a place to stay for the night.

Aonach Beag

Ben Nevis east face

Aonach Beag

Binnein Mor, Binnein Beag, Sgurr Eilde Mor

Grey Corries from Aonach Beag summit

Aonach Mor from Aonach Beag

Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg

After staying a night in Fort William I took a bus to Kinlochleven from where I made use of the excellent stalker's path into the Mamores and went up Sgurr Eilde Mor, something of a solitary hill, standing alone at the Eastern end of the Mamores range. Endured a sharp snow shower on the summit

Sgurr Eilde Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mor

 Sgurr Eilde Mor

Binnein Beag

That would be it for my Munro adventures in 2010, I finished this holiday with a couple of days in Glencoe, with the obligatory nights out at the Clachaig Inn. I'd added 22 Munros in the year, giving me running total of 79

A wild week in the Cairngorms

I set off from home at 9:45 on 21 May for the long drive North to Braemar, arrived just before 6pm at the SYHA Braemar. Settled in nicely for a few days...

Sunday 22 May, getting used to my new surroundings - thought it'd be a good idea to get the bike out and cycle down to the Linn of Dee, then onwards to Derry Lodge with the thought of doing a hill from there. Clouds level was quite low on the hills from there, so I got my map out and decided to have look at doing a Corbett from Linn of Quoich. Back on the Bike - 4 more miles, then started to walk with the intention of going to Carn na Drochaide, but the cloud was lifting and I had the idea of going for the two Munros further on (Beinn a' Bhuird and Ben Avon), so I continued into Glen Quoich and eventually started making my way up Beinn a' Bhuird. On reaching the summit plataeu, I realised it was quite a way from the true summit (and I was now feeling the full force of the gales), managed to get some shelter at the summit cairn for a brew and a bite to eat. Headed on down to The Sneck then up to Ben Avon (the wind was even stronger up there). At the summit I shuffled up on my backside to touch the top, then hastily retreated and was walking into the wind back down to the Sneck. Returned to Linn of Quoich by way of Slugain (was no quicker), got back to my bike at 9pm. Cut through the Mar Lodge estate to return to Braemar. Got back to the hostel just before 10, quick shower, Pizza in the oven, then survival Sunday on Match of the Day...how exciting!!

 looking west along the River Dee

 Beinn a' Bhuird from Glen Quoich

Beinn Bhreac from Glen Quoich

Beinn a' Bhuird

Ben Avon from Beinn a' Bhuird

 rainbow on Ben Avon

heading down to Slugain

Monday 23 May, was a complete wash-out. Add to that even stronger winds and it was not a day to be out walking, on the hills or anywhere else for that matter. So, I stayed holed up in the hostel all day.

Tuesday 24 May, drove out to Linn of Dee, then biked in to Derry Lodge. Hiked up Glen Derry, got some good views as the cloud base was just above the summits

Glen Derry and Derry Cairngorm

Glen Derry

Upper reaches of Glen Derry

I did get to feel the full force of the wind, the higher up the Glen I ventured. The Hutchison memorial hut was a welcome sight and gave brief respite from the wind and a chance to sit down and have brew. I carried on up to Loch Etchachan with the intention of getting up Beinn Mheadhoin, but it was not possible to cross the burn as the water was running too fast - funneled by the wind whipping off the Loch. So, I headed up to Derry Cairngorm and got caught in a snow shower which became a white-out. Luckily, it didn't last too long (though the wind never eased) and I made it to the bouldery summit despite being considerably buffeted by the gale force winds.

 Hutchison Memorial Hut

Loch Etchachan, Ben Macdui in background (note: the waves on the Loch)

 Loch Etchachan and Beinn Mheadoin, on the ascent to Derry Cairngorm

I followed the long ridge south from Derry Cairngorm, got caught in a shower on the descent, but did see a rather nice rainbow.

 rainbow over Meall an Lundain

Glen Lui

Wednesday 25 May

Another drive down to the Linn of Dee and cycle into Derry Lodge. My aim for the days was the two Munros on the opposite side of Glen Derry from Derry Cairngorm, namely Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a' Chaorrain. Got some views on the ascent then almost nothing from the summit of Beinn Bhreac and absolutely nothing from Chaorrain.

Friday 27 & Saturday 28 MayAfter staying all week at the youth hostel in Braemar (and enduring some pretty lousy weather for the time of year), I decided to go for it in terms of an ambitious traverse of the Devil's Point - Braeriach ridge, with an intended wild-camp somewhere near the head of the Lairig Ghru. Day 2 was to be an ascent of Ben Macdui thrn return to Glen Luibeg over Carn a' Mhaim.

Started off so well (apart from the saddle breaking on my bike halfway along the track to Derry Lodge), but it was an enjoyable (if long) walk in to Corrour bothy, and it seemed as though I would be in for a good day at least. After basking in the sunshine for a lunch break outside the bothy, I made my way up the steep path to Devil's Point. No sooner than I'd got to the top then the clouds started to close in, rapidly. I did try to progress along my intended route, but then soon lost heart when it started to snow...there was only one option for me,  and that was to bail out for the shelter and safety of Corrour Bothy.

Carn a' Mhaim from Glen Luibeg

 Sron Riach

 Devil's Point & Cairn Toul

 Lairig Ghru

 Devil's Point & Cairn Toul

 Ben Macdui

 Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir and Cairn Toul

Lairig Ghru and Ben Macdui from Devil's Point

It must have been about 4pm when I returned to the Bothy, there was no-one else around. I dozed off for a while, 2 blokes came in, then a group of women on a Hen-party, would you believe. I was glad of the company, even more so when they got the fire going, and with a bit of a drink on the go it was quite a convivial atmosphere. Had a really good night's sleep in the Bothy, sheltered from the rain and wind outside.

The Saurday morning actually started off quite bright, the air was very clear and I got some great views of the hills early on. I was following a path that was heading towards Ben Macdui, but I went a bit too far and had to descend a bit to find the path over to Carn a' Mhaim. The wind was blowing something fierce all the way along the ridge, and it came as something of a comfort to get down to a lower level. Back to Braemar for me.

 Devil's Point and Corrour Bothy

 Braeriach

 Carn a' Mhaim

 Devil's Point from Carn a' Mhaim

 view from Carn a' Mhaim

 Ben Macdui

Inverey

I was happy with my efforts that week, considering what elements threw at me. It was unseasonably cold for late May and the ferocious wind made high-level walking something of an ordeal. Enjoyed watching the Champions League Final in Braemar, saw Barcelona give a football exhibition in their 3-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley.