free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
After weeks of high winds finally a forecast of light winds and clear skies, a chance not to be missed.
Due to the lack of hill fitness a relatively short walk with not too much travel and a blue bubble for all was picked.
Arranged to meet Steve, Ian and Jake the dug at the Invercharnan car park at 08.00. Took a slow drive down Glen Etive dodging the merry campers cars and motorhomes stuffed into all available parking places and passing places.
On the drive up there was still a lot of snow showing on the north faces of the hills but we decided to leave the ice-axes behind and take only spikes - just in case.
![Library - 3678.jpg]()
- Majestic Ben Starav
![Library - 3679.jpg]()
- Ben Cruachan, Drochaid Glas, Stob Diamh
The de-forresting has continued apace since our last visit when Beinn Fhionnlaidh was climbed in Nov 2013. The trees being cleared all the way to the back of the forest alongside the Allt nan Gaoirean.
![Library - 3680.jpg]()
- Hill of the day
![Library - 3681.jpg]()
- Beinn Trilleachan
From the forrest edge the wet path follows the right bank of the Allt towards Meall nan Tarbh and the diverges off uphill to the Bealach Clach nam Mierleath. At a water stop near the wee lochan in the bealach the other path route could be seen passing some waterfalls at Clach nam Mierleach then turning NE along the boundary fence and up to the bealach.
![Library - 3682.jpg]()
- Ben Fhionnliadh from the wee lochan
![Library - 3683.jpg]()
- steep climb to come
![Library - 3684.jpg]()
- from the 627 point
The SMC book describes the route from Glen Etive as an easier alternative route avoiding any very steep ground. Which in my opinion is a relative term as the last 300m of climb went straight up threading between crags.
![Library - 3685.jpg]()
- Creag Dhubh crags of Beinn Moal Chalium
![Library - 3686.jpg]()
- Mull coming into view
Just follow the fence posts, if you are not into scrambling then easy detours can be made around the more exposed slabs.
![Library - 3687.jpg]()
- The Ben
The view to the Ben over Sgurr nam Fiannaidh, Stob Ban, Ring of Steall hills, Annoch Beag and the CMD arete.
![Library - 3688.jpg]()
- Bidean nam Bian towering over Stob an Fhuarain
![Library - 3689.jpg]()
- Ben Sgulaird nosing above Fhionnlaidh
Made the top in a little under 3 hours 45 minuets, a slow walk talking about history and politics - too much wasted breath. Sat at the top for about twenty minuets, naming hills and soaking up the panorama until getting chilled by the cold breeze. What a view! startling drop down vixen gully.
![Library - 3690.jpg]()
- Not quite Hawii
![Library - 3691.jpg]()
- Yes, a bad shirt day
We decided to descend a way and find a sheltered place for lunch, where one hero produced three cans of beer (to celebrate his first munro of the year). Lunch immediately became a more leisurely affair, I think that where the serious hill walk went out the window to be replaced by a slow amble.
![Library - 3692.jpg]()
- View of the descent from the diner
The view from the top of Meall a'Bhuiridh, back to h-Ulaidh and down to loch Etive.
![Library - 3693.jpg]()
- Alpine view of Loch Etive
![Library - 3694.jpg]()
- Less steep? way up seen from Meall a'Bhuiridh top
Memories of another very long, hot day in Glen Etive.
![Library - 3695.jpg]()
- Ben Starav again, memories of a very long hot day
Back to the car in 8 hours 25 minutes, it took longer to get down than climb up.
Still a grand outing for the over 50's club.
