Torridon double header
Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 5:33 pm
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
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 )
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.
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.
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.
Whereas Maol Chean-dearg was busy we did not see anyone else on BD, maybe it was late in the day.
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 )
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.
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.
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.
Whereas Maol Chean-dearg was busy we did not see anyone else on BD, maybe it was late in the day.