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Beginner Climb Suggestion

Beginner Climb Suggestion


Postby craigservice » Sat Apr 06, 2013 2:50 am

Hey all... Im making my first trip to Scotland with my wife and parents... I would really like to do a climb of some sort in the Highlands... Ive been searching through the site for a good one, but would like some suggestions...

I have never done any kind of climb before, and neither have my wife or parents. Although I would like to try a steep climb, my parents are about 60 and wouldn't be in for that type of thing, although they are in good shape.

So I am looking for a relatively short climb/walk, (3 hours max?), with some very good scenery and preferably a peak of some kind for a really nice view. Nothing too daring, but not a simple flat walk either.

Travelling in August from Inverness through Torridon, staying in Dornie... Then on through Fort William and down to Oban. So anywhere along the way there.

Any suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks!
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby Kevin29035 » Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:44 am

Hi there

It's not on the route your describe, but the first thing that came to mind was Ben A'an. A tiny hill that looks big. Starts through nice forests, all on good paths, breaks out, up a steep bit beside the hill and round the back onto the summit. And a classic view down Loch Katrine.

Should take too long, it's total ascent gain is 350m. But it's way out your way, in the Trossachs. I'll have a think and get back to you.
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby electricfly » Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:20 am

Hi Craig,

A walk/climb I'd recommend which isn't too far out of your way is Gleouraich by Loch Quoich in Glen Garry. If you get a good clear day then the views here across to both Knoydart and Glen Sheil are superb. The stalkers path up the Sron a' Chuilinn shoulder and over Druim Seileach to the summit is very good with no boggy sections and the views just keep opening up the higher you get.

Image

No need to carry onto the second munro (Spidean Mialach) unless you are all still feeling fresh. Heading back down the way you came allows you to see across Loch Quoich and it's surrounding peaks. I reckon that it would be around the 3 hours for such a hike. :)
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby johnkaysleftleg » Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:53 am

How about a walk up the Devils staircase in Glen Coe and then onto the wee top of Stob Mhic Mhartuin? A nice easy wander with spectacular views of an iconic location. I would advise proper footwear however as the path to the top can be a little wet. Here's a link to my walk report just to give you a taster of the views on offer.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=26838

Not to far from Oban either.
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby hills » Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:52 pm

Ben A'an is a great suggestion, fabulous views.....

This hill rises above Fort William, takes around 2 hours, but returns grand views.... Well worth a look.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3633
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby Boulderdash » Sat Apr 06, 2013 6:42 pm

How about Beinn Eighe mountain trail NNR. Wonderful walk which gains a repectable height with fantastic views over Torridons and over to Slioch. Interesting way points and with steps at all the steeper points in case they are needed. Loads of info about local geology/flora and fauna and will be on your route if you are planning Torridon. Picnic benches at start next to loch Marie in case anyone fancies sitting it out. A lovely walk for beginners.
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby jmarkb » Sun Apr 07, 2013 1:38 pm

A couple more suggestions for you:

Sgurr na Bana-Mhoraire in Torridon: start as for this walk: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Beinndamh.shtml but when you reach the ridge, turn right instead of left.

Sgurr a' Chaorachain from Bealach nam Ba: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Sgurrachaorachain.shtml

Biod an Fhithich in Glen Shiel: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/kintail/biodanfhithich.shtml

Beinn na Gucaig from Lundavra, near Fort William (first part of this: http://www.mountainsofscotland.co.uk/TripReports/20110205.htm).
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Re: Beginner Climb Suggestion

Postby JimboJim » Sun Apr 07, 2013 2:16 pm

When you're down near Oban try Beinn Lora. Perfect for you if clear day.
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