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When in one or another sort of lockdown, we climbed most of the hills within short driving distance but never got around to visiting Càrn Faire nan Con. Most folks do this Sub from Garve side, taking advantage of the good track up to the height of 250m, but of course Kevin wanted to do "some kinda circular" and he believed that the approach from Loch Luichart was much more interesting.
Càrn Faire nan Con is much less impressive than its higher neighbour Sgurr Marcasaid (one of my most memorable heather-bashing experiences!) but it is said to be a great viewpoint to Loch Luichart, so we didn't hesitate to tackle it on a short January day. There was no snow on lower ground but the forecast was sunshine and sharp showers. We packed several layers of warm/waterproof clothing just in case. I don't mind getting wet but wet, cold and windy put together? No, thank you.
We started from the local road below Loch Luichard power station - there is room for parking next to a small building with communication dishes:
A short distance up the tarmac we took the first track right into the forest. The entrance is locked but a small kissing gate is provided for walkers. We followed the forest track due north for about 2km, past another gate; the track gives access to a line of electricity pylons and they do spoil the views from lower parts of this route. On the other hand, the access track makes for an easier walk:
- In the birch forest below Càrn Faire nan Con, the eastern top of Sgurr Marcasaid visible to the left
Kevin ready to face the pylons!
We were hoping that the track we took joined with the other one, coming from Garve side, but sadly it doesn't. We located a path behind one of the pylons; it can be followed steeply up the western slopes of Càrn Faire nan Con for about 1km, before it disappears by another pylon.
- This way!
A bit too steep to go off piste:
Weather was holding on for the time being and Kevin stopped to take a few snaps of Loch Luichart dam:
As we plodded on up the path (lots of dead bracken, in summer time this would be tick haven!), more views appeared and I was enchanted by the autumnal colours of the surrounding landscape. I know it sounds ridiculous, "a touch of autumn" in January but it was exactly how it felt!
- Loch Luichart in "autumn" climate
On higher ground winter was in full bloom (if you can say that about winter
) as we could see on the distant tops of the Fannichs:
Sgurr Marcasaid and the loch from higher up the slope:
The path long gone, we just clambered up the overgrown slope, trying to pick the least wet-looking line of ascent:
Just below the summit, we noticed a bird of prey hovering above us. It disappeared before we had the time to get the better camera out, but I managed a snap on the go:
- White tailed eagle?
We were close to the top when we noticed a snow shower charging towards us from the north, across Loch Luichart:
- Armageddon is coming!!!
Kevin run to the summit cairn to take a photo of Little Wyvis before the world ended
On the eastern front it was strangely quiet, blue sky and peaceful landscape:
...whereas the western side could scare the *** out of you!
We dug up our waterproof layers and bodywarmers and descended a few metres down the eastern side of the hill to hide behind a large rock. Here, we waited patiently through the snow shower. Luckily, it only lasted about 10 minutes
As soon as the snow stopped, we returned to the summit for more photos.
Loch Luichart after storm:
We are officially 10% into the Sub'2000 Marylin list. Not that I care much about statistics
- Lucy's 27th Sub, No. 59 for us.
The descent from Càrn Faire nan Con can be tricky if not returning the same way, as there are some crags on the southern side above Loch an Dubh-chairn...
- Which way down?
We found a breach in the fortress and carefully descended the slippery vegetation between the crags. Looking back at it, it would be badly overgrown in summer:
Loch an Dubh-chairn from above:
The ground below the lochan is soggy - time to wear gaiters:
We kept pushing south on the wet ground until we were stopped by a high deer fence. No gate anywhere, so the only choice was to either climb it (and it looked rather wobbly) or follow it west back towards the loch. We opted for the latter. Initially, we enjoyed nice views to Loch Luichart and Sgurr Marcasaid...
...but as soon as the track entered the forest, we needed some...ehmmm... acrobatic moves to continue:
It was worth the effort though, because when we emerged from the forest just above the pylon track, we were rewarded with this fantastic view:
- Loch Luichart pano
We dropped to the track and stopped for a quick streap-tease bur soon we realized we had been too fast to take waterproofs off: another snow shower was coming!
Thankfully, we were back on the road and only had about 2km to walk back to the car, so no shower could scare us now!
...
My next TR will describe another trip up a local Sub, proper winter conditions this time!