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This was (I was told!) going to be my last trip before the birth of my first child, so Euan and I took the bikes up to Kintail for a couple of excellent nights at Rattagan, with the added bonus for me (if all went to plan) of Munro nr. 200.
Day 1 - 19/4/24
Brother's Ridge
11.5km, 5.25hrs, 1,194mLeft the bikes behind a fence at the Cluanie on the way and parked at the usual parking point. It was still bitterly cold for the time of year, but as many users will know, the climb to the bealach is certainly warming. Delightful walk along the ridge with a cold north wind and plenty snow still lying above 800m. We were feeling pleased that the weather had been much drier than late, and even more pleased with ourselves that we were left with a downhill cycle, however this was all but negated by the headwind up the glen
A nice night in Rattagan made better by meeting an old running pal and his walking group. We were keen to keep our powder dry for what we had planned tomorrow...
Day 2 - 20/4/24
South Glen Shiel Ridge (reversed)
28.3km, 9hrs, 1,882mThis had been near the top of the list for a long time. A beautiful morning at Rattagan saw us head up to the Cluanie, with yesterday's logic of a downhill cycle winning the day. This did, of course, mean more climbing, but that also means more fun. It was definitely warmer than the day before, the cycle was a joy. The main climb up through Coire Toiteil follows a good path, eroded in places, and we were already starving by the time the bealach was reached. I laughed that Euan at brought the most ridiculous packed lunch - about 6 people's worth. 'You never know' - and to be fair to him, he needed, and ate, most of it. The 7 Munros are a wee bit of a blur now to be honest, a month later, but it was great. Sgurr an Lochain perhaps the highlight in terms of character. The sun made an appearance and readily burnt us, and by the time we reached Aonach air Chrith, we were flagging a bit.
We had probably slightly underestimated the walk by making a dinner booking at Shiel Bridge for 7.30pm which we looked increasingly unlikely to make, although I did realise that we had added in 2 extra tops to the usual route which could have been bypassed (worth it of course). This meant we had to make haste for the last couple of hills and descent. Only 10 minutes late in the end, but both in agreement one of the best days in the hills
Day 3 - 21/4/24
Ciste Dhubh
13.3km, 4.25hrs, 745mWe slept like babies, awoke and packed for home and what we hoped would be an easy up and down. Weather had improved again, wind had completely disappeared, and all was well in the world. Upon arrival, we almost immediately pied the idea of adding the corbett, and took our time meandering up through An Caorann Beag. Beautiful. Only tricky section we found was pathfinding near the lochan at the top of the valley, but once you find the start of the steep climb on the mountain itself, it is a joy. Celebrated finally reaching number 200 at the summit with a lovely view and an obligatory tuna roll, and enjoyed retracing our steps in the sun back to the car and, eventually, home
