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Affric-an holidays: Càrn Mhic an Toisich

Affric-an holidays: Càrn Mhic an Toisich


Postby BlackPanther » Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:31 pm

Fionas included on this walk: Càrn Mhic an Toisich

Date walked: 18/03/2021

Time taken: 6.25 hours

Distance: 23 km

Ascent: 672m

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We had been to Càrn Mhic an Toisich twice before. The first time was from Bhlaraidh in Glen Moriston, the second time from Dundreggan using the old drovers track called Eve's road. The second route joins the access track for Beauly-Deny powerline, making it possible to walk up to 550m without much effort. Since then, I wondered if it was possible to gain the summit from the Affric side and thought we could attempt a route from Plodda car park. This version also utilizes the powerline road and is the longest of all three routes (23km) but it's only a short drive from home so we could do it without feeling guilty :D

Track_CARN MHIC AN TOISICH 23KM.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts


It was a lovely morning when we arrived at Plodda car park only to see it totally empty. The access road above Tomich has suffered badly in recent winters, now driving up to the waterfalls could be a hazard for less experienced drivers. Potholes everywhere.
So quiet at the car park:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 001.JPG

We walked back to Hilton Lodge and then took a well signposted forest track, marked as "public path to Glen Moriston". Considering our recent experience with "public mudbath to Cougie", we were ready for everything, but the track was nice and dry:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 006.JPG

The right of way follows a small stream, Allt nam Fiodhag, and at the height of 300m it emerges out of the forest with lovely views to the north, to the peaks of Glen Affric:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 008.JPG

Soon the track joined another one - yes, the dreaded Beauly-Deny powerline road. When walking the south side of Affric, you will never run away from it!
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 016.JPG

At least it meant we could walk fast and gain height quickly. The pylons do spoil the views a bit but we are now used to them being here:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 017.JPG

Glen Affric pano from Toll Creagach to Mam Sodhail:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 021.JPG

The track continues up, to Loch na Beinne Baine, with some tremendous views of more distant peaks to the south and west:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 037.JPG

Such a beautiful spring day! We were beginning to regret that we chose such an easy target for today, maybe we should have risked it and picked something more ambitious. But in the end, we agreed that the hills will still be there tomorrow. Besides, it was worth coming here on a good day just to appreciate the views!
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 049.JPG

A couple of zooms:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 054.JPG

2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 056.JPG

We reached the highest point of the track, which is only 50m below the first minor summit of the ridge, Meall Ruigh Uisdein. Having crossed under the pylons, we hopped over wet-ish ground to the little top...
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 066.JPG

The second top, An Suidhe, was only a short walk away:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 067.JPG

The true summit of Càrn Mhic an Toisich from An Suidhe:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 072.JPG

Loch Loyne and the hills beyond:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 078.JPG

Nearing the summit, Meall Fuar-mhonaidh visible in the far distance:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 089.JPG

Our 3rd visit to Càrn Mhic an Toisich. I wonder how many other hillwalkers bothered to climb this particular Graham three times? Well, at least it was three different routes we used :lol:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 094.JPG

One might complain about the countless wind turbines visible from this summit. They certainly spoil the NE view to Meall a'Chrathaich and Loch a'Chrathaich:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 092.JPG

...but there are better vistas in the opposite direction:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 095.JPG

Ben Nevis:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 100.JPG

Yes, I know, those bl**dy turbines pop up everywhere!!!
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 103.JPG

The Affirc pano:
2021-03-18 carn mhic an toisich 090.JPG

We returned the same way. I know there are some TUMPS and SIMMS here that could be bagged but we really don't care about them :lol: :lol:
When we arrived back at the car park, it was full to bursting, walkers everywhere, also people barbecuing and eating their picnic snacks. We somehow felt like we didn't belong here and quickly hopped into our car to drive home and eat a quiet dinner in our own living room.
It was definitely a walk worth doing on a clear, sunny day - the views are amazing. We can even forgive Càrn Mhic an Toisich for the turbines and pylons :wink:

The following day we took advantage of excellent weather and visited the second Affric Corbett, with a full traverse of its ridge in mind. My TR will come soon.
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BlackPanther
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 3839
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Joined: Nov 2, 2010
Location: Beauly, Inverness-shire

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