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Munro day 3 of our week staying at Bunchrew Campsite near Inverness, Valerie and I were on our own this time and we decided to review our Liathach plans. This was due to wet weather being forcast with reference to a small risk of thunder storms. Again though, where to go? We had so much choice all within a 60 minute drive limit that we had set for ourselves that day. Back to Achnasheen became our target with the intention to walk straight up Fionn Bheinn from the village. This seemed a straightforward option, and once texting my pal Marty as a home contact we were off for an afternoon on the hill. (Fionn Bheinn was fun!)
- After parking on the north side of the road from the Station we headed off in fine conditions up the burn that runs directly towards the small bridge on the approach road.
- There are one or two exciting wee stages as the gound steepens, and care underfoot becomes a sensible idea if enjoying the gorge views on Allt Achadh na Sine.
- After a waterfall area we turned right onto the open heather/grass covered peat lands. Outer shell jackets were on first, swiftly followed by over-trousers.....the sky was ever changing and keeping us guessing on what was an enjoyable ascent from Achnasheen.
- Civilisation now out of sight, waterproofs ringing and boots drookit! The edge of the peat hags was an interesting 400-500 metre stretch approaching Creagan nan Laogh.
At about 570 metres above sea-level after a period of time with hoods up enduring the rain, a louder and far more intensified sound drew all of our attention - THUNDER, crash, bang, boom!!! Wow! And an odd flash of lighting generally over the area. Quickly, we altered our route and contoured round into the hollow of the hill instead of seeking the higher path. To descend would have been another option, but that would mean open peatlands, so we kept located in the hollow close to the burn head and allowed time to pass before making any decision. The air did seem to settle and the thunder seemed to be heading SW leaving a more misty environment that gradually lightened as we slowly edged onwards again in the lull of the ridge.
- Now at 850 metres above sea-level after a time of uncertainty....
- Keeping a close eye on the weather we were making good progress again......
- Wow! again....now the appealing side of Fionn Bheinn was becoming clear.
- I love this photo...the clarity of atmosphere cleansed is managing to come through....
- Valerie now at the Trig point and the winds have risen...(we're still watching the weather, but it's good to linger too and savour the day..)
- Me drookit and happy! (might have been the first munro to beat me in a long time..who would have imagined that with Fionn Bheinn)
- One of my obligitary lochan shots - note some interesting beasts now clear in the background.
- Liathach and Beinn Eighe......
- Slioch...hey hey!
- Another wee chum for me this week......whilst giving Valerie some map and compass training.
- The burn is flowing...nae wonder!
- Nice mucky-peaty water!
- The Allt Achadh nan Sine burn gorge dropping back down to Achnasheen.
Fionn Bheinn lying south of Loch Fannich gave a us a welcome we taste of the Fannaichs, and two days later we were to return....