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After a sound night's sleep in my tent, I got up early, had porridge and coffee and got on my way (leaving the tent behind) at 9am. The plan was to cycle to the foot of Creag Ghuanach, leave the bike, climb Creag Ghuanach and then Beinn na Cloiche, return to the bike, cycle to the tent, pack up and return via the well-surfaced road that goes almost as far as Loch Ossian (twice as far as the boggy track I'd taken the day before) before heading back to Corrour Station, to catch the 18.25 train back to Dumbarton.
That turned out to be quite a tough call, especially after the boggy labours of the previous day. I made it as far as the bridge over the Allt Iolairean before the track turned into a boggy mess again. I was so over-optimistic that the decent track would return that I dragged my bike for almost another kilometre before locking it up, leaving it beside the track and walking the rest of the way.
- The steep descent to Loch Treig.
- Creag Ghuanach with the abandoned Creaguaineach Lodge below.
- View towards Stob Coire Sgriodain across Loch Treig.
- Creag Ghuanach as the track peters out again.
- The Abhainn Rath.
I seemed to be making good progress, and took quite a steep route up Creag Ghuanach. I wanted to go the most direct way, but with hindsight I definitely wouldn’t recommend this route. I ended up clambering up some damp rocks and it wasn’t a fun scramble. If I’d continued walking along the lower path till about NN301680 I think the ascent would have been much easier and I would have been able to enjoy the views as I walked up the shoulder, even though it would have meant re-tracing my steps slightly on the way back down.
I was able to enjoy expansive views every time I paused for breath as I climbed higher.
- View down to the Abhainn Rath.
- Loch Treig and Meall Garbh.
- Loch Treig and Chno Dearg in cloud.
- Sgurr Innse and Cruach Innse just visible beneath the cloud bank.
- Approaching the summit.
- The tiny summit cairn is perched on top of a slabby crag.
I didn’t linger at the summit, as I knew I’d have to be quick if I was to get back to my tent and then to Corrour in time for my 18.25 train.
- View down towards Beinn na Cloiche with the Corbett Glas Bheinn on its right.
The ground steepens a bit as Staoineag Bothy comes in to view, making the descent a bit more tricky.
- The Abhainn Rath with Staonaig bothy concealed behind the trees, and Beinn na Cloiche beyond.
- Staoineag Bothy.
It was 12pm when I reached Staoineag Bothy, after crossing the Abhainn Rath stepping stones. I was still squinting at Beinn na Cloiche, wondering which might be the easiest route up, and at the same time trying to calculate how long it might take me to get up and back down… I realised that I probably wouldn’t make it and the cycle back to Corrour in time for my train.
I also realised that I was really tired! I decided to just have lunch in the bothy and then take my time going back.
I enjoyed reading the bothy history and thinking about the people who used to live in this wild area.
- Memories of Staoineag.
I realised I’d brought the wrong tupperware, and had left my delicious sandwiches in the tent. Just as well I’d decided not to climb Beinn na Cloiche!
- The rock where the wee boy and his orphan friend would eat their porridge.
- View back to Creag Ghuanach.
I walked back across the stepping stones.
- Stepping stones on way back.
Enjoyed the autumn colours as I took a leisurely walk back to my bike.
- Autumn colours from the bridge over the Abhainn Rath.
Back at my tent, I enjoyed my sandwiches and a cup of tea, before getting back on my bike for the trip back to Corrour. The cycle back from my camp spot along the good road - although almost twice as long as the boggy trek out and with 100m ascent - was so much easier. I arrived at Corrour Station with 1.5 hours to spare.
I think it would have taken me about 2.5 hours to reach the summit of Beinn na Cloiche and then get back to Staonaig, so I don’t regret leaving that one for another day. It was nice to take my time and enjoy the adventure.
