Tom na Gruagaich

[JonetCol]

Last day (Tuesday) of 3 day Torridon break. Having done Liathach on the Sunday and Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean on the Monday, I decided to have a break and just drive around to enjoy the area. I ended up with a couple of hours spare in the afternoon, so had achange of heart and opted to try Tom na Gruagaich - as much to experience the views out to sea as anything. I knew there was no chance of making Sgurr Mhor (never mind the Horns) in the time I had.

The WH guidance note suggeststhat before setting off, you take in the waterfalls on the N side of the bridge which crosses the Coire Mhic Nobaill at the car park. I did and agree its worth doing.

waterfalls near startpoint

I set off up the path at the W endof the bridge and followed a faint path, which wandered NW up steepening slopes to a deer fence. At this point the sky was pretty clear - apart from over the top Tom na G - and there were clear views S

S across Loch Torridon

across Loch Torridon and E to the sentinel Sgorr a Chadail.

Sgorr a ' Chadail

Further up, with sky still clear, the Horns came into view to the NE.

First glimpse of the Horns

Once I got into the Coire nan Laough, the mist on the summit began to thicken and roll downhill.

Looking towards the summit as the cloud descended

Elsewhere the cloud had stayed away and there were good views to Sgurr Mor and the Horns.

NE from the Coire base to Sgurr Mor and the Horns

same again a bit further E

Once into the coire proper, it was just a relentless climb up a rocky well-maintained path which remained pretty clear until it crossed the stream. Fom here people have gone in all directions. As a result, the route was eroded and much less obvious. It was also wet, loose and slippy. The Coire being narrow however, you can't really go wrong, which is just as well as the cloud was by now really dense. Before long I bumped into the cairn at the top of the Coire. It literally apppeared from out of nowhere. There was by now absolutely no visibility. I took a bearing for the summit trig point and was about to set off when I heard an excited discussion in German. I had to shout to avoid a collision and was reassured to learn from a couple that I was headed the right way. I told them to turn left at the cairn, but they continued Westward. I didn't hear a yell ,or a whistling sound followed by a thud - and I've read nothing of any icidents since - so I assume they returned safely.

I carried on in the dark to reach the summit and take the obligatory 'evidence' shot.

Reached the top

After that it was just a case of turning the compass round 180 degrees to find the cairn and head back down.
Once below the cloud line I noticed the sky was getting greyer all round.

Sadly,I hadn't got my sea views from the top, but its a beautiful place at any time and I enjoyed a last look across the Loch.

Farewell glimpse of Loch Torridon