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It had been years since parking at Inverlael so was good to be back. Nothing much had changed except a sign had appeared warning of cows with calves in the field that must be crossed. I wondered how many walkers that would deter with this being the standard way to access five Munros as well as the lesser known hill we were aiming for. I had a quick look in the field ahead and saw no cows, so off we went with our respective canines firmly on lead.
Once through the gate into the woods we looked out for the bridge over the Allt Mor which we came to sooner than expected. Maybe down to the adrenaline surge that comes with heading out on such a beautiful morning!
Bridge over Allt Mor
After crossing the bridge we turned right on to the hydro track and followed it as it ran parallel to the burn on its north side.
Hydro track with RWE marker poles
Liz
We knew from weaselmaster's report on Beinn Bhreac the way through the forest can be confusing. So we took careful note of what gld73 had done and even with that took a right fork where it should have been a left. We realised we were off track when we passed a second bridge and retraced our steps to take the left fork which led to a steep path through the trees which she had mentioned.
If you see this bridge you need to turn back
Turned left here on steep path through trees
The climb through the trees was on a narrow but clear path which led up to a crossroad of tracks where we continued up until we reached a gate. Once through the gate we had no more difficulties with the route for Beinn Bhreac.
Small cairn marks where path spilled us out
View back to Inverlael
Emerged from trees to meet this gate
Already the views were superb.
North to Beinn Dearg group
Zoomed to Beinn Dearg
South to Fannichs, Fisherfield and An Teallach
Level top of Beinn Bhreac ahead (Liz's photo)
Burn easily crossed
The track ended after the burn crossing and continued as a swampy ATV track which wasn't inviting to follow, so we took a line off piste aiming towards the lower left side of the gentle mound ahead that was Beinn Bhreac. It's true there were wet patches but they were easily avoidable and all in all it wasn't as bad an ascent as I'd half expected.
Pathless ascent from end of track
Often the higher you get the drier it gets but with this summit plateau being so flat that wasn't really the case with plentiful pools of water and a large summit lochan, much to the approval of my water-loving labrador.
Summit plateau wet in places
Summit cairn ahead left of centre
Keira stood there in the hope someone would lob something in to be retrieved. There wasn't much to lob so she must have been disappointed.
Patiently waiting
Lots to feast the eyes on though. I can never get enough of the Assynt landscape, from any side you like.
Unmistakeable profile of Stac Pollaidh and the Assynt Corbetts
While feasting my eyes west I saw two deer racing across quite close and knew it would only be nano seconds before the dogs picked up the scent and would be off on a long and pointless chase. So I whistled Keira and put her on lead to save her the mental struggle of wanting to do what she knew she shouldn't.
Keira on lead at summit because of the deer
Small summit cairn with big view north
We sat for lunch on a nice shelf of rock before taking the usual mug shots of all the hills we could make out from the top, which in the case of Beinn Bhreac was rather a lot.
Seana Bhraigh (climbed with Liz in 2016 when we saw a white tailed eagle at the top)
Liz and Roger at Seana Bhraigh summit
Beinn Dearg (climbed with Moira in 2008)
Fannichs (climbed on various occasions with too many to mention)
Fannichs and Fisherfield (climbed with Liz, Roger, Ian and Mei)
Beinn Ghobhlach (climbed with Liz) and the Minch
Assynt Corbetts (climbed with Moira)
Canisp, Quinag, Conival and Ben More Assynt (climbed with too many to mention)
Ben Klibreck and Loch an Daimh (climbed with Moira and others)
Final summit photo with Liz and Crumpet
For the return we took a more direct line down towards the end of the track. It was easy walking and wonderful with that view ahead.
Pathless descent (Liz's photo)
Back on hard track
Self seeded tree doing rather well in the gully
An Teallach zoomed (climbed with Moira)
Connecting path down through trees
Black dogs don't cope so well with the heat and on a sunny day I'm always glad of finding places Keira can take a dunk. She needs no encouragement to get herself in there.
Having a shake
Back at Inverlael we scanned the field but there was no sign of any bovine threat.
Inverlael field empty of cows
An underrated hill, Beinn Bhreac punches well above her weight in what she can deliver in views if you go on a clear day. Standing on the summit you are in a vast amphitheatre, surrounded by magnificent mountain beauty, all the more special if they are mountains you have climbed.and loved.
