Just Creag Pitridh

[Fife Flyer]

Just like earlier in the week a weather window appeared, big difference this time - forecast was fairly accurate
My original plan was to head out tomorrow (Saturday) and pick off CP, however Mrs Flyer had other ideas and who am I to argue I am being dragged (driving duty) to the far east of Fife tomorrow, which involves wandering for what seems like hours round a nursery looking for plants, the good news is that I will be treated to lunch at Anster Fish Bar and who can resist lunch there?
Creag Pitridh was the only red balloon in the area, I did the other 2 of the trio a few years ago

So I left Fife fairly early 7.30am and it didn't look very promising - rain, but I am ever the optomist
My optomism was rewarded as I reached Perth the roads were dry and no rain - yippee
Arrived at the layby come car park a couple of hours later. I assembled my bike, which involves putting the front wheel back on & inflating the tyre and I was good to go.

Parking area with the bike in the background

The way ahead

River Spean

The track to the hills is one of the better one's and ideal for cycling, the slight drawback is that on the way to hills there is a steady incline, but the plus point is the return ride is almost a freewheel without having to touch the brakes. I would guess the cycle distance is about 5km. When I parked/locked my bike there was already another bike resting and when I returned there were 5 bikes, so other folk had the same idea

The path upwards after the bike had been parked

Looking back to the River Spean & the reservoir

Once I left the main path and headed up following what look liked a path heading in an upwards direction, that soon disappeared. As a result the going got a bit tougher, tussocky grass & soft boggy stuff. Big mistake here was not to look at the map I just bounded up the hill & picked a spot on the horizon which turned out to be a subsidiary Sgurr an Saighdeir which I reached and then saw where I should have headed
There is certainly nothing remotely difficult about the ascent, even if you do head in the wrong direction

Summit was reached & the temperature had certainly dropped, had to put on my 2nd fleece & shock horror - my gloves

Summit cairn, nothing special - note the new rucksack

Zoomed - Beinn a Chlachair

Geal Charn

Creag Meagaidh looking majestic

Loch Laggan in the background, Lochan Na Farra in the foreground (so it says on the map)

Looking west

Looking back towards the start

The descent started off very well, a good path down but as usual it completely disappeared so it was just a matter of heading down. All was fine until about two thirds of the way down my left heel went down a hole & my knee took the full brunt of my substantial body weight. So it was just a matter of hobbling gingerly downwards.
I met a couple who were in discussion about what direction to take, I duly advised them not to follow my route. They were planning to take in all 3 at a leisurely pace & as it was after midday, they were in for an evening finish.

Enjoyable but not a spectacular day, CP certainly gives you great views in all directions.
The big question now is - where next? The drives are getting longer, 210 mile round trip

[jepsonscotland]

Nice job, Martin.
Glad the weather held for you this time.
A good long ride in, but with an absolute treat of some spectacular views.
Plus, for those of us heading to Creag Meagaidh tomorrow, a view of current snow conditions!
Thanks
Chris

[Fife Flyer]

Plus, for those of us heading to Creag Meagaidh tomorrow, a view of current snow conditions!
Thanks
Chris

Hope the weather holds for tomorrow, one thing I can guarantee is you will love Creag Meagaidh
It's about time you submitted a report Chris

[Gordie12]

Was on the same road as you today Fife Flyer (did the two Loch Lochy Munros).

Have to confess, had to put the gloves on as well at the 1st top - bit of a cold wind blowin.