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Since we were staying in Torridon we opted to start at Annat rather than drive round to start the walk from Coulags. The weather was supposed to close in later in the day with the winds picking up so the plan was to start early, the torrential rain that came on from about 8.00 put paid to that. Sitting in the car we had one of those..... 'will we walk or go home'? On a positive note, we did see an otter swimming about, caught a fish then off he went. Excellent. The clouds parted and the sun came out (ish). Game on.
The start of the walk.The path is quite exceptional and we keep stopping to take pictures as the light and the scenery is sublime. Amazing the light just after a deluge!
Looking back to Torridon with Beinn Alligin in mist
It wasn't long however (40 mins) and it all changed, heavy rain + wind. Well, its early, we have just started and the way back isn't far. Lets just keep going and see if it clears. By the stepping stones at Lochan Domhain it stopped and once again out came the sun - it was however still windy. Plod on MacDuff.
The wind was going to be an issue. At Loch an Eion we had a choice to make.
Loch an Eion with todays objective: Maol Chean-dearg The wind was from the west so if we went round MCD to the west the route up would require not getting blown off the ridge from the Bealach a Choire Ghairbh whilst ascending Coire Garbh should be a bit more sheltered. OK, show of hand please - option 2 was chosen. It is quite a wee trek past Loch Coire Fionnaraich till you join the path up to the Bealach. It was here that we had some company from those who had opted to start from the Coulags. There is supposed to be a path that leaves the main stalkers path - alas, we failed to locate it and just made a be-line for the screes of Coire Garbh. Quite slow going over the boulders but the views made the going easier.
Acending Coire GarbhAs we hit the plateau at the top of the scree slopes our decision to come up this way was vindicated as we were finding it hard not to become kites.
Trying not to get blown away.At this point the rain started and this + the wind made us opt for seeking some shelter till it past behind some rocks. Should we stay or should we go? Rain stopped: OK check gear, take a deep breath and head for the top. The boulder ascent/strong wind combo made the four points of contact rule fairly de rigueur. Top reached - excellent. Another stunning view and I could see why it inspired Tolkein to come up with Middle Earth..
Stunning viewHe used his imagination and maybe he had better weather!
As we sat at the shelter on the summit we were joined by a couple who had tried to ascend by the ridge and after they were blown off their feet for the 3rd time they turned back and ascended by the route we had came up. They were up to 224 Munro's - impressed, so they were no chickens. With this in mind we would descend by the way we came up then head back over the Bealach to complete the route back to Loch an Eion.
We made a joke as we left that what seems to happen is the skies clear about 30 mins after we leave the summit - actually it was 10 mins so I dumped the sack and headed back up for a pic. Not quite clear but at least we got a hint of something out there other than Scotch mist.
View from the top looking in the direction of Torridon: Loch an Eion below.Descending the summit we could see the ridge ahead and could see the people ascending getting blown about like skittles - no, nice as it looks lets opt for some discretion. Decision went green when I was blown over - 1st time that has ever happened to me (low center of gravity). OK, head back down the scree.
Looking back from summit to the ridge (we should have went down)An Ruadh-Stac is one impressive lump - Wow. What a hill. Have read Kinley's report of its ascent - impressed. Not today.
An Ruadh-StacRejoining the stalkers path we headed up to the Bealach - wind was very strong as we rounded the top then headed down to Loch Coire an Ruadh-staic.
The stalkers path, although wet and boggy in bits made the way easy as we headed round MCd and back to rejoin the path at Loch an Eion.
Back over the Stepping Stones 
Although it was overcast it was clear that this route round would have had some real jewels to see.
View looking over to Spidean a'Choire Leith - amazing (and scary).Back along the stalkers path and to Torridon and the car.
A long day but a great one. Pleased we made the decision to go on.
Thanks to Trekpete for his post - so that's what the view should have been at the summit!
