The 3 from Glen Affric youth hostel

[Sspaterson]

This weekend had already been cancelled twice because of Covid but at last, our merry band gathered at Glen Affric Youth Hostel at various times on Friday evening. We were the first to arrive. For some reason assuming that the cycle in would be flat and easy. It was not! It's ok but a few up n doons to Athnamulloch and the bridge across the river but when cycling with a rucksack and panniers after this, I was more off the bike pushing than on it. There are also some flooded bits on the path nearer the hostel so be sure to take the bypass path as it's deep enough to come up over your feet and leave you wondering if your sleeping bag is still dry in the pannier.

But the hostel is gorgeous, quaint, cosy with the warden on site to greet us. You have to take your own sleeping bag but if you were stuck, there are a few spares and there was plenty spare food as long as you liked pasta and porridge. The warden had even baked scones and was very welcoming and chatty. He's even made midge nets for the windows so they can be opened with impunity against the wee buggers.
Pasta soon on and dinner scoffed whilst waiting for others to arrive in dribs n drabs. The next five appeared around 8pm looking weary. The final three we began to worry about slightly as we knew they had stayed at Cannich the night before to do the eastern five before cycling in. We began to think they'd just leave it until morning when one appeared at the door, in the dark having ditched the bike about 1.5km back after a bungee pinged off and got stuck in the rear mech. About half an hour later the final two appeared having ditched the bikes about 5km back as struggling with the trailer they had.

Next day we left at 0830 and plan was to head to Mullach na Dheiragain first, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan second and leave An Socach to the end. Path is easy going to the coll then look out for the cairns to guide you in the right direction. A bit of bog hopping at some parts but soon on the next ridge and the long, long walk out to the summit and back. Reckon it was about 5k in total. The rest of the walk was quite easy, with spectacular views and wonderful weather. On the final pull to An Socach I was a tad envious of the couple who had done it first and could just head back down the hill. Will just post the pics here to give a flavour of these remote hills.

I feel a Howard Keel moment coming on

Fab view of glean a' Choilich

Mair views

Even mair views

Hills

The weather fairies were kind