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The far north of Scotland is such an incredible place, sweeping views with a mixture of well defined hills and mountains, my first one to tackle being the comparatively tame Ben Klibrek. The weather was good for late summer, not too hot, some cloud but high up enough to give plenty of views. We parked by the new windfarm near Vagastie Bridge and crossed the road, heading up a slightly boggy path that made its way up to a cairned summit, that I think is Cnoc Sgriodain but it this seems to be written slightly away from the actual peak. The views even from here were excellent with lots of hills I had not seen before coming into view. Already the summit of Ben Klibrek (Meall nan Con) was visible, a notable cone rising from the bulk of the mountain.
- The initial path through the heather
- First view of Meall nan Con
- Looking north west from Cnoc Sgriodain
- Fantastic views north
After a very short boggy stretch, the path went up towards Carn an Fheidh but veered off to the left before reaching the top. The good path then contoured the side of the hill before emerging at a 688 meter high bealach between Meall nan Con and Creag an Lochain. After a brief rocky section the path up to the summit was clear. The view on this part of the ascent back to Loch an Fhuarain and Creag an Lochan was particularly awesome.
- The path ahead
- Contouring around Creag an Lochain
- Towards Meall nan Con
- Lovely view of Loch an Fhuarain
The slog up the summit cone was shorter than expected and even though the wind had picked up it was still a pleasant day. The views were outstanding, southward in the far distance a sweep of munros including Ben Wyvis and the Beinn Dearg group. To the North East, smaller hills, woods and then the very wet looking flow country. The views to the West and North were the most impressive. Improbably looking mountains rose steeply up and then the wonderful view north to the vast sea and the Orkney Isles. This is definitely a munro worth doing on a clear day.
- View north from the summit
- Towards the Orkney Isles
The way back down was simply a case of retracing our steps. The clouds were increasing but thankfully the rain held off until the walk was completed. There was a constant but pleasant buzzing from the bees in amongst the heather. The views remained excellent all the way back and in no time at all we were heading back towards the car from the last small summit. A thoroughly enjoyable day walking.
- Looking north on the way back
- Leading up to the last summit
- A final look back
