Beinn a' Chlachair my 100th Munro
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:11 pmAfter leaving Cowdenbeath about 7.15am I was driving down the banks of Loch Lagan some couple of hours later. Redrock, Valerie and myself were treated to a beautiful morning view across the loch towards Ardverikie House. This stunning old Estate House figured magnificently in the comedy drama series, Monarch of the Glen.
At 10.00am we were standing on the bridge over the River Spean ready for the 5km walk-in to Lochan na Hearba. Standing at this glorious spot we were able to start properly assessing the day ahead. The initial plan was an ascent of Creag Pitridh, followed by Geal Charn and then Beinn a' Chlachair the mountain that I had chosen to be by 100th Munro.
I now headed straight for the northeast nose of Beinn a' Chlachair looking for a suspected path up through the steep rocky slope. This was not obvious even when standing at the highest point of the path and it was in fact Ritchie that quickly found where many had passed before. Once climbing we were soon up above 900 metres again with the 3km long broad ridge ahead.
Delighted with my choice for completing my first 100 Munros, thanks to Valerie, Redrock and of course Ritchie for sharing my day. Thanks also to those who have made compliments already during my draft. Slainte' mhor
At 10.00am we were standing on the bridge over the River Spean ready for the 5km walk-in to Lochan na Hearba. Standing at this glorious spot we were able to start properly assessing the day ahead. The initial plan was an ascent of Creag Pitridh, followed by Geal Charn and then Beinn a' Chlachair the mountain that I had chosen to be by 100th Munro.
- My dog Ritchie loving much more than simply the stunning views from this location.
- Redrock and my wife Valerie, my trusty companions for the occasion.
- This is me feeling fresh and eager to move on despite the previous 1 hour walk-in......
- Ritchie leading the way - was not to sure how long he was going to hang on to that stick.
- Following Allt Coire Pitridh, we were looking for the burn junction coinciding with the track.
- Redrock just behind me on our way up the side of Sgurr an t-Saighdeir.
- The 3 of us on Creag Pitridh, Munro no. 98! (Redrock self-timer)
- Ritchie waiting patiently before guiding us very effectively onwards and upwards onto Geal Charn, his 40th Munro!
- Creag Pitridh now behind us, with Redrock and Valerie blethering away whilst Ritchie and I focus on our bagging!
- A surprising bonnie cairn on the summit of Geal Charn. Ritchie still heading onwards as he senses his 40th (thanks to Redrock for this photo)
- Three amigos or musketeers, not sure which? Although the Redrock perhaps resembles the Lone Ranger! (My Munro no.99)
- Now it's time to head for Beinn a' Chlachair! Will I reach my 100th? Initially you would think "nae bother", look there it is in the distance. But we had a small incident shortly after leaving Geal Charn that had me thinking a drop off to the bealach and back to the car might be approaching! One of my trusty companions experienced a visual disturbance and we sensibly stopped. Following resting for 10mins or so, with opportunity for extra sustenance, we all adorned our sunglasses and started making good progress again.
- Ritchie at a fine cooling spot near the bealach. Proud of his 40 Munros he was showing no signs of dropping his pace.
I now headed straight for the northeast nose of Beinn a' Chlachair looking for a suspected path up through the steep rocky slope. This was not obvious even when standing at the highest point of the path and it was in fact Ritchie that quickly found where many had passed before. Once climbing we were soon up above 900 metres again with the 3km long broad ridge ahead. - An excellent way up the northeast nose of the mountain.
- Redrock and I with Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn behind us.
- There it is, my 100th Munro within reach! Not an "out and out" bagger myself I have to admit the occasion was very present in my mind.
- Redrock and Valerie allow me to solo the final climb with Ritchie by my side - there was no stopping him....Yeha!!!
- I have to admit I had a wee moment to myself as I walked on to the cairn - like nothing I have felt before on reaching the summit of a mountain. The spirit of the Scottish Mountains was with me more than ever!!! Loved my wee dram of "Talisker" Malt Whisky....been considering a tipple on the tops for some time now, and glad I had kept it for this one! A ton of different mountains behind me now.....
- Well here we are again - Ritchie behaving wearily for the first time of the day. He tried to curl up among the rocks of the cairn for a snooze, but we needed to move on back round Coire Mor Chlachair as the clouds were starting to roll in towards us.
- A fantastic view into the areas of Aonach Beag and Ben Alder left us thinking of future days when we would see this fun mountain again.....(Thanks Redrock for the wide pic)
- Back down near the Lochan after a tricky and steep descent. Note the thick cloud now blanketing our hills...
- Look at them now! How come they are so fresh faced after our the walk-out (which incidentally felt much harder than in the morning)...comes with the game!
- One happy boy to see his bed again!
Delighted with my choice for completing my first 100 Munros, thanks to Valerie, Redrock and of course Ritchie for sharing my day. Thanks also to those who have made compliments already during my draft. Slainte' mhor 
- maybe I got a blast of sunlight in my eye after all - but the rehydration and sustenance stop did the trick! 