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Lots of catching up to do on my walk diary but with a rainy day at home today, time to reminisce on a couple of bigger days out on the hills earlier in the year.
First off, the 9 Fannichs from the South. I’ve done this route previously back in 2018 and with a good forecast and lots of daylight, I thought now was a good time to boost the Munro count on my third round.
I stayed at Contin campsite the night before and was booked in for 2 nights so that I could leave my tent up in the morning. A fine campsite, nothing fancy but for £10 a night, all you need for a weekend in the hills and the owner is really friendly too – I will definitely be staying again for trips to the North West.
I cycled in from Grudie to Fannich lodge, setting off at 5.20 in the morning. There was some mist over the hills to start off but it was fine to have some cooler conditions on the way in. I decided to go clockwise this time, the opposite way round from the first time I did this route. I remembered the walk out felt very long first time round and I would say it was better to get the long track walk out of the way first on fresh legs and feet.
A nice peaceful spot at the ruins at the Nest of Fannich.
- Nest of Fannich
The mist was still down on my way up A’Chailleach. I got led astray by deer tracks and burns on the pathless ascent and went too far West, rather than hitting the Toman Coinnich bealach. I realised my mistake and decided to cut onto the West ridge rather than backtracking. There was some steep, pathless ground, but I soon broke through out of the mist to be greeted by a cloud inversion. Either way up, you are going to have some pathless terrain to negotiate so it probably doesn’t make much difference which way you go.
- inversion
The ground was dry and the grass wasn’t too long yet, which made the ascent from the Nest of Fannich easier than it would be at other times of the year. I saw a huge herd of deer in the corrie on the way up.
- number one
Once you hit the ridge, the going gets easier with good hill paths for the most part. The views were just stunning all day with beautiful shadows being cast by the high level cloud.
Wildlife for the day included: an eagle, ravens, red deer, cuckoos, plover and ptarmigan, including a very close encounter with a ptarmigan on my way down from the last Munro (likely a nest site in the boulders).
I met a guy from Newcastle coming down from Sgurr Breac and a few other groups going over the ridges. It was great to chat to you all, I hope you had a great day on the hills
- spot the man and his dog
As I was heading back from the out and back to Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich, I met a hill runner going at some speed who overtook me again as he returned to Sgurr Mor. It was inspirational to see someone at the top of their game making it look effortless on the climbs. This was Munro 7 for me and I actually felt a bit disappointed that I only had 2 more Munros left for the day, having had such a brilliant day.
Because the weather was so good, I left my bag for the out and backs to Meall a’Chrasgaidh and Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich – it was great to get the weight off and float up the hills for a bit!
I made sure I stopped to drink plenty during the day but it really was perfect walking weather – sunny and clear.
I did start to feel tired heading to the last Munro, it’s always further than you think! Delighted to reach Munro 9 in such good conditions.
- number 9
It’s a mostly pathless descent to Fannich lodge but with the clear weather, it wasn’t too bad descending back to my bike.
- ptarmigan
Some of the estate dogs greeted me on the way down, friendly dogs and they went back home after checking who was there.
It was great to cycle back along the road in the evening light to round off a fantastic day in the hills. I really like this route and if you get good conditions, it’s the perfect way to climb these magnificent 9 Munros.
- evening cycle time