free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I remember why I decided to move into this house... The peace, quiet and a grand view over some good looking hills from the back. It's about time I get up there!
I've been saving this walk for a perfect winter day and my wish was granted
It was only a short drive to Glen Strathfarrar carpark but what a lovely one; the sun was just coming out and coloured the sky in all shades of orange. And what a moment of awe when I caught the first sight of Beinn a'Bha'ach Ard and friends - their white slopes were almost shining in front of a deep blue background! Too bad I missed the moment to take a photo.
I've cycled on the quiet Glen Strathfarrar road in late autumn and it was great to experience its first part on foot in white winter conditions. The track up from Culligran power station was also very enjoyable and peaceful. I was studying animal footprints in snow and said hello to some tame deer.
The track turned straight uphill. The high clouds didn't spoil the views towards the West and pure white Carn Ban, south to Carn Gorm and the familiar interesting rocky outcrops on the summit of Sgorr na Diollaid. But what I also wanted to see was a view over Beauly firth and my home so it was time to leave the track and go straight uphill
The underground was still quite soggy, covered in thick heather and another thick layer of fresh soft snow which turned the ascent into a real workout. It took longer than I thought to make it up the first lump of Cnoc an Duine, however, the views were as rewarding as expected, especially as the sky started clearing. I then had to drop down, go over another lump and then finally steep up to Beinn a'Bha'ach Ard. The wind blown snow was really quite deep so I knew I'll sleep well tonight
The cold summit was fantastic with excellent views in all directions! The icy cairn was really scenic so I took time for photos and a quick bite of my Christmas leftovers.
I was pleased to be looking down from the hill I've been admiring all this time from home and Inverness.
I decided to kind of retrace my steps. I found a different steep slope to run down from the summit, what joy! Well, until I reached the boggy ground which was just ever so slightly easier on the downhill. But it meant walking into fantastic view, especially when the misty clouds started forming in the glen whereas the sky was clear blue and the hills pure white.
I felt like being in a different world so even reaching the quiet road felt like coming back to civilisation.
I couldn't have asked for a better day and more mindful experience on the hill that I've been looking at and admiring every single (clear) day! This is exactly what crossed my mind today as I was looking at Beinn a'Bha'ach Ard and its reflection in Beauly firth on a lunchtime walk to Clachnaharry sea lock in Inverness. Hooray!
