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Following on from a cracking day out with my eldest on
A'Mharonnaich and Geal-charn, I headed out with my youngest for a lovely day out on the neighbouring peaks.
After a start dictated by a 17 year old who worked an evening shift the day before, we found ourselves wandering up in growing heat. As so many of you know, we have had a proper 'heat wave' and a really dry spring and month in some areas - and it felt it as we set out up these hills. More later on why they felt so dry, in my view.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
The stretch up the valley on the path was lovely, and as we branched out onto the slopes of Sgàirneach Mhòr the views really opened up. A last pull onto the ridge and the views were all around - yes a fairly mundane walk underfoot, but views wise it was great.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
Shiehallion, Lyon and Lawers ranges to the south. My lad was impressed by how many of these he has completed - as in the majority of hills he could see to the south.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
Lunch no.1 on the first summit. We were coated in dust - an unusual experience on a Munro!
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
I can see how the navigation here could be fun in snow or wet conditions - some very small curving paths took us to the col between the two hills. A short steep pull had us heading towards top no.2
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
With good views now towards the west - Tyndrum, Black Mount, Ben Alder and start of Glencoe. To the north was Creag Meagaidh.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
The summit plateau and top...
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
We spent a long lazy lunch in the shelter out of a stiff breeze - almost falling asleep in the warmth.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
We meandered off to find our way down, again with some indistinct paths which would be 'fun' in bad weather.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
After a steep descent down between the (many) grouse butts, we found ourselves back on the main track. The streams were empty, the ground here (Facing south) completely crispy.
Beinn Udlamain and Sgàirneach Mhòr by
Matt, on Flickr
We reflected on the way out - these are some of the most barren hills we have been on. But much of it seems to be the land manager who keeps this place for the benefit of grouse - huge and many areas of muirburn, vehicle tracks everywhere (right up to summit), many grouse butts and generally not an inch of montane scrub, trees or much biodiversity to be seen. In these dry conditions there is nothing to keep moisure in these hills - they really were the driest hills I have walked in 30 years of being in the hills. I bumped into the gamekeeper / estate worked on the way down who was complaining of the conditions, and saying that the hills could not hold any moisture - I ducked any conversation on my views why that was the case.
A lovely day walking, nice tan, two more hills and a cracking set of views meant it was a Good Day, but cannot say they are hills I will return to. Last likely hill with my son for a year or two as he goes travelling) as well, so some memories being made. 👍
