Sleeper to Summit

[martin1909]

When 2 or more Munros are grouped together I like the idea of leaving it years before I revisit the paths I’ve once trodden. A year and three months on from Beinn Na Lap however, I found myself standing on the platform at Glasgow Queen street station for the 05:48 Caledonian Sleeper.

All aboard the sleeper

Three hours later we disembarked at Corrour station and without any hesitation set off. Passing the station, we were once again mesmerised by the beauty of Loch Ossian, so much so that we missed the turn off just past the youth hostel heading towards Peters Stone. A quick backtrack however and we were walking up the track by the side of Meall Na Lice.

The sleeper leaving, Ft William bound

Beinn na Lap

Meall na Lice

Upon reaching Peters Stone we found and started climbing the "path" up to the ridge that would take us to Carn Dearg. After a lot of huffing and puffing up the side of the mountain we reached the ridge and had a short walk and climb up to the summit. We were glad to meet a stiff breeze at the top which stopped us from being bombarded with Deer Ked's. There were hundreds of the wee blighters!!

Shortly after, we reached the summit and with it, the stunning views over west with some fantastic mountains in the distant September haze. A few photos later we descended to a more sheltered spot for lunch. What a spot we found for it. Stunning views everywhere.

Gill, Pauline, Claire & John just below Carn Dearg summit

The Summit

Gill & I at the summit

Having fuelled up we headed down to the 720m contour and began the climb up Sgor Gaibhre. Very satisfying to look at, the path climbs dead straight to the summit and you feel as if you are making excellent progress with every step. All of a sudden, the days second Munro was scaled. Again, fantastic views up here with the stunning Lochan a' Bhealaich down below and Ben Alder and its imposing mass above.

Heading down to the Bealach between Carn Dearg and Sgor Gaibhre

Sgor Gaibhre with Ben Alder hanging out behind

Lochan a' Bhealaich

After a short break it was down and then up to the Top, Sgor Choinnich. We took 5 minutes to enjoy the last chance of views from this altitude then headed down to the Corrour shooting lodge.

Heading down to Meall Nathrach Beag via Meall Nathrach Mor, the going was tough. Heather bashing down steep slopes with no shortage of bog, we followed a heading towards the deer fence down below. Much wetter, we reached the fence and walked a short way along it to reach the gate (having veered slightly southwest of the route described on WH). Heading through the gate we though that the worst of the bog was done but in fact we had to wade through probably the wettest area of ground I have encountered up the hills. Almost knee deep in parts and with already soaked feet there was no point in trying to avoid the deeper parts. It was a great laugh at least.

Loch Ossian

Heather bashing

Walking along the fence to the gate

The gate

Trecking though almost knee deep flooded grassland

Just past this wetland, we reached the land rover track that we would follow back to the station. Walking by loch Ossian and through the trees was beautiful.

The walk along the Lochside took just over an hour and upon reaching the station it was time for the main event...a pint!
There can’t be many better places in Scotland or indeed the world to enjoy a beer. As expected the station cafe was buzzing with people who had travelled to enjoy the outdoors and it creates a really unique atmosphere for such a remote location.

Walking toward the station

Green green green

Looking back

A pint of Loch Ossian beer

Corrour station

Looking northbound

You cant come here and not visit this bridge

At 18:25 the train came round the bend and sadly, it was time to leave this amazing place.

Our ride home

Having done the 3 Munros here, will I be back? Definitely! Be it to do Leum Uilleim or just a circular around the loch, there’s no way this area can be consigned to the history books!!