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Whilst the NW Coast of Scotland was enjoying a renaissance of sunshine I had been stuck in bed for eight days ill! My early September plan had been to head up North and walk/climb many new Munros, Inverlael & Mullardoch etc, however that was now defunct!
When checking the weather I noticed this renaissance was about to end! Just two more days of sunshine forecast, albeit with very high winds. I couldn’t bear reading all these wonderful reports, coupled with stunning photos, so I quickly hatched a plan to head North
Decided to head for Beinn Liath Mhor & Sgurr Ruadh, starting from Achnashellac. This walk provided varied route options, I could add in a third Munro the following day and perhaps some Corbetts. Was up till 3am getting gear together (forgot my poles), hardly slept! Left Glasgow 9.30am, walking for 2.30pm. The sun was indeed shining...
Cross the railway line and enter into the Coulin Forrest – Instantly amazed at the bulk of Fuar Tholl
A brilliant forrest walk leads into the expansive surroundings with BLM (right) & SR (left) the backdrop.
Due to time, and possible fitness issues, I headed straight up to the Bealach rather than take on the BLM ridge. The ridge did look spectacular, I'll come back one day and do you
Got to the bealach. Ditched the rucksack at the lovely Lochan. Only a million rocks and 300m to BLM summit!
Great views to the Torridon Giants.
Finally reached the summit
. SR ridge/summit from BLM summit
Took in the views, a few photos, and made my way back to the lochan.
Time was now pushing on, I was feeling knackered!! Started ascending SR instantly as wanted to set up camp before sunset.
Views back down to river Lair and the Coulin forrest.
Eventually reached the summit of SR. It was extremely windy so didn't hang around much and quickly started descending its SE ridge. I'd decided to camp near Loch a Bhealach Moir.
View to Moal Chean dearg from SR summit.
The sun was now setting, the light illuminating Fuar Tholl. It looked majestic...
and me, adding nothing to the landscape
And the light began to fade, the temperature plummeting...
After what seemed like hours I finally decided on a spot and pitched the mobile accomodation. I was tired, I was hungry!
The digs.
Went looking for my food only to realize I'd forgotten my cheezy pasta - gutted
! So I'd left my poles, didn't bring the GPS watch, and had forgotten food. I was starting to question my mind at this point
I ate my last sarnie and a kitkat (four fingers), all washed down with a can of Irn Bru. Incredible moments yet again
Had a last look outside, was dark now.
As usual when camping I hardly slept. The wind did rattle the tent all night, but even then I think I just don't have the knack of switching off. Thoughts off mutant sheep attacking me, like last time camping, had subsided. They'd been replaced with some congo drums and chanting. I started thinking about King kong
I was glad when the light appeared outside. The sun was belting off MCD across the way.
With 3hrs sleep in two days, no food, no watch, no poles, and a wind that would seriously tear the toupe from yer napper, I'd decided that today I was climbing no mountains. I was actually still up a mountain but thats just minor detail. This morning I would merely wander aimlessly around the many lochans at the bealach
This motley crue looked bewildered, but I think they couldn't believe I was taking it easy
The new rucksack I tried out, Salomon Sky 38L. Been wearing Salomon trails for years in the mountains and love them, wondered if othe gear matched the footwear. Felt fine, but maybe require a slightly bigger one for the camping. Opening from the side was very handy, as was the hip belt pockets. Will make a great winter pack.
Waterfall
Myself, staring down the BLM ridge.
Took my time wandering back to the car...
Finally reached the forrest and enjoyed the walk out.
Mesmerising area, one I'm looking forward to visiting again soon. Hopefully I'll be better prepared
And so I jumped into the car and drove 4.5hrs back to Glasgow. It was lashing of rain the next morning...glad I managed out, phew
