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Torridon double header

Torridon double header


Postby Verylatestarter » Sun Aug 29, 2021 5:33 pm

Route description: Beinn Dàmh (or Ben Damph)

Munros included on this walk: Maol Chean-dearg

Corbetts included on this walk: Beinn Damh

Date walked: 31/07/2021

Time taken: 10 hours

Ascent: 1860m

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This walk is a continuation of Maol Chean-dearg dated 31/7/21 (distances and ascent are combined for the two walks), hence this description starts at Drochaird Coire Roill. See https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=107844

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38.JPG
Beinn Damh from Maol Chean-dearg


Having walked into South Torridon from Annat in the morning and ascended Maol Chean-dearg we decided to approach Beinn Damh across the low lying area named Na Mulcaneann on the OS maps. This brought us to the Drochaird Coire Roill between BD and Beinn na h-Eaglaise, the intention being to scramble off the top of Meall Dubh na Drochaid up to the SE spur, Stuc Toll nam Biast. Having read a couple of reports this seemed feasible even for my limited ability. Thanks to Ridgerunner for his report dated 28/5/2012 for the information on the feasibility of the scramble. (https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=22121&p=140862#p140862 )

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The start of the deviation from the MCD path, note exposed white rubble

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Ben crossing Na Mulcaneann, dry underfoot

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Maol Chean-dearg with Na Mulcaneann below, the white patch can just be seen slightly right of center, below the scree.

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First steps on Meall Dubh na Drochaid

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Meall Dubh na Drochaid with Beinn na h-Eaglaise beyond

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Meall Dubh na Drochaid with Beinn Damh above

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MCD and An Ruadh Stac

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The view North along Coire Roill

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Approaching the base of Stuc Toll nam Biast

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Stuc Toll nam Biast, the route along to the left and then up to the first deep band of rock

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More detail, we eventually made our way up close to the wide grassy area

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The deep band of rock, my chosen route, which did not work out. The actual route well to the left


Meall Dubh na Drochaid is a series of sandstone terraces with fairly small steps requiring a little scrambling; gaining height we veered over to the North side in order to pick up the saddle between it and the steeper Stuc Toll nam Biast. From the reports I’d seen the route was central to the rocky area but upon arriving at the first band of rock I struggled to find a suitable route. Ben had veered more to the left (South) and had found easy access just below where the grassy area starts. By a series of zig zags on rock and grass we made our way up slowly to a couple of comfortable ledges where we could rest, and I could catch up. After taking plenty of photos of this morning’s hill and the rest of South Torridon we eased our way up to the boulder field that sits on the end of the spur.

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Ben above one of the rock bands, the sandstone outcrop of Stuc Coire na Laoigh beyond

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MCD, Loch an Eoin and the Coire Lair circuit beyond

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Ben across the quartzite cap of Stuc Toll nam Biast

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Looking across Coire Toll nam Biast to the 868m point

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MCD and ARS from Beinn Damh

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Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh

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The final slope up to the Corbett summit

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Stuc Coire na Laoigh with MCD and ARS in background

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looking back down Stuc Toll nam Biast


From there the spur rises and curved towards the BD summit which comprises of large blocks of quartzite. We reached the summit at 17;21, after leaving the Coire about 15;45, slow going but without any real difficulty.
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Summit pose

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Summit pose

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Sgurr Dubh in a spot of sunshine

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The narrow ridge that links the Corbett to the 868 top

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The 868 top with Loch Torridon and the sea beyond

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The quartzite boulder field, there is a faint bypass path to the left but we chose to go over the 868 top.

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The Corbett summit and Stuc Toll nam Biast

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The other wall of Coire Toll nam Biast

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The North end of the ridge and Loch Torridon


The route off BD was North along the ridge, to the 868m top, across the extensive boulder fields that comprise the top layer of the mountain. There is a bypass to this top but we do like a stroll over acres of ankle breaking rock. The route taken did afford good views of BD and the hills beyond. Once back on the sandstone we made better progress and took the path down towards waterfalls, missing out Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire, which must have some great view. The steep part of the path was somewhat eroded but on the whole the path was good and included the added distraction of the waterfall, this being a little tricky to get a decent view (my excuse for a rubbish photo). We emerged onto the road behind the hotel about 16;30, just the right time for dinner back in the hostel.
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The long way down

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Descending the path along Coire Roill

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The joining of the paths with Beinn Damh in the background, note the steepness of Stuc Toll nam Biast (in line with the lower path).

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Waterfall Glac na Gainmhich


Whereas Maol Chean-dearg was busy we did not see anyone else on BD, maybe it was late in the day.
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MCD and Beinn Damh as viewed from Liathach on 020821
Verylatestarter
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 195
Munros:35   Corbetts:11
Fionas:3   
Islands:5
Joined: Oct 14, 2020
Location: East Anglia (South Norfolk)

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