free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Was meant to be in Durness this weekend at the WH meet but the forecast predicted 50mph winds and rain, not ideal for camping or walking in my opinion. The thought of a 14hr round driving trip for just one day of sunshine on the Friday didn't appeal. I turned my thoughts to planning a trip on the Thursday, and then taking it easy Friday at a local park.
A quick look at some reports led me to Rockhoppers round of 6 Grahams from Luss and Malky Cs round of 5 Grahams from Glen Fruin. Malkys walk tipped it for me as I've previously walked The Glen Striddle Horseshoe taking in Beinn Dubh, also the starting point was a road I'd never driven along and appeared to be quieter than the metropolis of Luss and the A82.
The sun was forecast to appear around noon so I lay in bed till 10am and left the house at 11am. It was tough getting myself motivated as usually I'm out the door before 7am when walking. Additionally my body was screaming that it required resting, probably due to last weekends efforts. Anyhow I started walking at 12.30pm along the track...
After 1.5k you reach a reservior - nice spot for relaxing.
From the reserviour you strike NW up the pathless face to reach the strone ridge, being mindful of bullets!!
Was feeling it in the legs already and had only just started, was going to be a tough day. Once on the ridge follow it for 3k North to the summit of Beinn a Mhanaich.
The summit. To reach this point I hadn't stopped yet for a breather, but boy did I need one - feeling gubbed
Sat at a nice spot whilst taking in the views, eating, and checking the map. The next two Grahams - Cruach an t-Sidhein, Doune Hill - with views to the Arrochar Alps West. Looked a steep descent...it was!
Once in the glen start the ascent of CaT, just pick a line and go for it.
Looking back to BaM - came straight down through the crags! An easier option would be to follow its East shoulder for 0.5k then break North.
Another long ascent but finally reached the summit, and views to my next two targets.
The wind was strengthening so headed straight down into the glen and rested for 15 minutes whilst taking in some fluids.
The ascent to the 3rd Graham, DH, wasn't as steep but still hard going.
The summit.
Summit Selfie!
Looking to Graham number 4 - Beinn Eich
This part of the walk along the ridge was the highlight of the day. The ridge was placed dead centre which gave great views of the surrounding hills.
The Summit of BE.
Found a nice spot and had another bite to eat. Was dreading the descent and final ascent to the last Graham Beinn Chaorach
BaC - The Final Ascent
This was probably the easiest descent of the day, was running down it at one point. Looking back to descent route.
Now had the river to cross. i remember Malky saying he crossed a bridge but I couldn't see one, however I did view it when higher up on the ridge. It appears I was 1km East of where Malky came down.
I aimed for the East shoulder of BaC and started the never ending slog to the summit. Underfoot was wet, the hill was blocking the sun, the wind was swirling, and I was absolutely shattered! This was probably the hardest ascent I've done in a long time, I just kept moving slowly up the hill. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I reached the summit...as I did the sun reappeared
Took 5 minutes here to rehydrate and get my breath back before stricking a line SW for 1.5k back to the reservior. Looking tired, ghostly - sunblock cream effect, and relieved! Spent 30 minutes here taking photos and chilling out.
Got back to the car to find a had a puncture/slow tyre but thankfully had bought a digital inflator. Whilst the tyre inflated I changed into some dry clothes. I then headed home, but I stopped almost instantly as I viewed the suns setting across the mountain tops in my rear view mirror. Was worth the stop
The setting sun was a great finale to a very tough but rewarding day on the hills. I must remember to seek out more local hills. These smaller hills are way tougher then there bigger counterparts
Oh, I'm no slow coach and took just over 7 hrs but Malky did this circuit in 5.30hrs, incredible going
Must get hill fit, must get hill fit, must get hill fit...
