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Had been hoping I might tag this one onto an overnighter, or two, but didn't work out that way. It's a long drive for one, but just about on the radar for Me n Jaf. With the mild Aug/Sept, we felt it worth the effort, if it made bogs and river crossing not too unpleasant, despite the deteriorating looking forecast.
- Jaf, heading in. Not looking hopeful for clear views.
Probably about 4 hours for the trip up, with little space in the car park, so made do with the verge. The track in was pretty dry aside from the worst spots which were virtually no bother. Eyed up rocky spot to cross river, but path seemed to continue, so we continued
Looked at couple of other spots, then found ourselves virtually at the outflow of the loch. Fortunately it was crossable here.... but, only just
I'd think normally it wouldn't be the preferred option.
- "The Abhainn a'Ghrabainn is a substantial watercourse and can be a formidable obstacle - when in spate conditions it is quite impassable." You're not kidding. I think we went too far upstream really, but were able to cross here ..... just!
We soon got back on track, heading up to the bealach, closely pursued by another fella, who joined us for a short while as things levelled off. Unfortunately, most of surrounding hills shrouded in cloud and visibility poor, but at least rain held off, as we made good progress toward the final boulder, ascent.
- Looking down on Loch a'Ghrabainn, over to the Fannich's.
- Grey pano from Beinn Dearg round to the Eastern Fannich's.
Had a wee break at flat summit, to size up the surrounding hills, have a refreshment and photo or, two though it was very grey all round. Then down we went. Met plenty folk heading up/down, perhaps all with the idea of keeping the feet dry, or not bothering to observe the Sabbath
- Jasper on the summit, which as you can see, is indeed "domed."
- Lads on the summit. Alas, Lawrence had to call off this trip.
- Big Jesper, coach and mentor!
- Another one in the bag for Jimbo.
- Summit selfie. No' much else to see :)
- Just about able to make out Coire Ghrunnda, on descent.
- Look back to the summit, as it begins to clear a little.
- Beinn Dearg and Cona Mheall, with Meall nan Ceapraichean, poking through in the middle.
- The plod back down.
- Easier to cross this bouldery stretch, while water not running fast.
This time we went other side of hillock, which took us to crossing much lower downstream. We branched off left, on more direct line towards path in, but I reckon this might have been wrong option again, as we had to do more bog hopping and had no path once we crossed, over the rough going, till we finally joined the main path and back to the car, just under the three and a half hours and hardly a splash on the boots
- View down Loch Glascarnoch.
- Time for a wee birl east, for a glimpse of The Forge, An Teallach.
- An Teallach.
- A nice wee reward from Big Jesper, to finish the day off ....... or, perhaps just a lesson in biology 😃
Time for a quick look at An Teallach before the long drive home, which was sweetened by a wee refreshment from Charles, to round the day off nicely.