So small yet so big

[BlackPanther]

Officially the second lowest Munro on the list, Beinn Teallach is most often climbed in combination with the higher neighbour, Beinn a'Chaorainn, but for the second visit, we fancied traversing it in winter conditions on its own with the return via the glen of Allt a'Chaorainn. We had done a similar route for Beinn a'Chaorainn two years ago and really liked walking back between the two mountains - always nice to do something different rather than following the crowd.

At the time, all news from the eastern front were bad and getting worse, so I just wanted to run away from the overwhelming frustration and get rid of the sinking feeling in my stomach, if only for a few hours.

So our route was basically half of the WH traverse of both Munros:

Track_BEINN TEALLACH 17.25KM.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Warning: a brand new deer fence has been installed across the glen between the two mountains. To avoid fence climbing on the way back, stick to the track as it crosses the river, rather than staying on the eastern side of the glen.

Parking at the start of the walk is limited and all free spaces were already occupied, so we left Taylor in the nearest layby:

Weather was superb today and walking under the spotless blue sky felt really good.

"Our" hill awaits

We climbed up to the new fence - on Beinn Teallach side, a gate is provided for hillwalkers:

The Easains looking splendid, capped with snow:

The Aonachs:

The climb is straightforward if a bit wet in places. We didn't bother looking for the path, especially that it was mostly covered by patches of snow. Kevin was complaining about overheating and soon he found his own method of venting out extra heat:

Kevin doing a Malky

I was far away from any silly stripping ideas, for me the temperature was just right. Not to mention perfect views around - what a day it was shaping up to be!

Higher up, the snow hid many potential life threatening traps...

...but the views were SO WORTH the effort:

Up on the ridge, we found whole stretches of ground completely bare...

Kevin and Loch Lochy Munros in the background

...but there was more snow close to the summit. No need for crampons or yaktraks, it was all very soft:

The distant peaks of Ardgour, a little misty:

Lucy on the summit of her 143rd Munro:

The summit was surprisingly cold but we spent some time here, mostly taking photos. Very rarely these days one is gifted with such glorious conditions.

Meowing time!

Panoramic snap of Beinn a'Chaorainn:

Nevis range to the south:

Coire nan Eun of Beinn Iaruinn, I have bad memories about this one

Loch Sguadaig to the north:

For the full traverse, we descended the northern ridge:

Panoramic view of the northern corrie of Beinn Teallach, Coire Dubh Sguadaig:

The descent was easy to begin with, but lower down, where the snow had melted and frozen over several times, we found walking more tricky without support:

Treading carefully on hard snow

Looking back to Beinn Teallach summit from half way down the northern ridge:

We stopped at some point on a tuft of grass, to wear yaktraks (they are quicker to put on than crampons and offer enough grip to walk on hard snow). I was so excited that I dropped one of my traks straight on the frozen snow - and of course it started rolling down the slope! I just watched hopelessly as it tumbled down and thought I had lost it for good, but thankfully, it stopped on another tuft of grass, about 20m below us. Thank God for small miracles
Now there was a small issue of asking Him Who Knows It All Best to fetch my lost item

Kevin retrieving my lost yaktrak...

Once the equipment problems were solved, we could continue down the slope to the upper end of the ATV track in the glen:

The way down:

We decided to stay on the eastern side of the glen despite the track crossing the river; there is a faint path but soon we arrived by the deer fence mentioned earlier - no gate or stile on this side, but at least the fence was solid so we had no problem climbing over. The faint path continued on the other side:

The tops NE of Corrour, very white today:

I know most walkers would prefer to bag both hills together but we were simply looking for a nice alternative to the most popular route. We really enjoyed it and didn't need to hurry This approach could be used even on a very short winter day (as long as Allt a'Chaorainn is crossable). Beinn Teallach may be a small Munro but it offers big vistas and on a good winter day it is simply a must-visit!

To add a memorable quote at the end... "If you are afraid to cross rivers, be ready to climb fences instead"

My next TR will take us away from the mountains and into the caves.

[Mal Grey]

Some amazing views there, especially to the Grey Corries and Nevis ranges!