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Torridon for a week - our 25th wedding anniversary present to ourselves: Excellent.
Ashamed to say this but I have never been in Torridon before and was awe struck at the mountains as we drove from Kinlochewe. As Liathach came into view my jaw dropped - how is anyone supposed to get up, across and down that monster? We comforted ourselves in the story in last weeks Westmorland Gazette: a lad of 11 (yes, eleven) had just completed ALL the Munro's. Maybe we could at least try!
First morning the forecast was not great. From Torridon looking to Liathach, covered in mist - Not doing that unless its an almost perfect day with at least 24 hours of daylight. Looking further up the valley, same story for Beinn Eighe. Beinn Alligin however seemed
almost clear. Forecast was for this window to break by midday however so lets get started. OK, Alligin it was.... we'll decide later if the Horns are going to be tackled.
From the bridge at the car park we took the path on the left of the bridge (west) and off we went. The morning was stunning and we could not believe it as we followed the track up from the road.
A grand startBeing used to the Lakes this is a big step up - Striding Edge is about as good as it gets, having seen postings of this route we we somewhat nervous as to what lay ahead. The main thing was that our first Munro of the day should be done in good conditions. As we looked back to Liathach we were glad of our decision to do Alligin.
Liathach - Actually that was as clear as it got.
The views of the Horns were quite spectacular and we were in awe of our surroundings.
The Horns of Alligin
The vista: Alligin et al
The way ahead up the Coire nan Laugh was very straight forward and steady away we soon reached the col.
The col above Coire nan Laugh.Summit reached and we had our lunch looking across at what still needed to be done - very impressive view it was.
View from Beinn AlliginOn we went. The next section, the descent from Alligin was quite tricky we thought and one point was quite difficult - maybe we made a poor choice of line, but we certainly did not find it straightforward. Since few reports mention the descent we were now somewhat concerned about what lay ahead. As we had left the car park a lad was heading in the opposite direction, he passed us as we were ascending Sgurr Mhor - he may not have stopped for a leisurely lunch....... OK, he moved faster!
From Sgurr Mhor the Horns were now clearly visible and we tried to make out the plan of attack. You can see from the picture that the cloud was moving in.
Clouds are formingSoon they were becoming quite a feature.
Cloudy hornsThis was about following what the forecast had predicted - on cloud would then be followed by precipitation. However, not so...
Clear hornsThe views were now quite outstanding. Amazing how the spirits lift when le soleil brille et le ciel est bleu.
View looking North West from the base of Horn 1The Horns were actually very straight forward and we managed them quite easily. Most enjoyable. Best done through the medium of pictures. Only point to make was on the 3rd Horn. There is the option of going straight up the front by following the path on the right then after about 20m head up - a lot easier.
Looking at Horn 2 from 1
Horn 2
DoneWe were fair chuffed with ourselves. Doing the two Munro's - great, but horns as well and the weather held.
Fantastic. The views
The descent was fairly steep and went on for a bit but a wee story never goes amis at times like these and the time went quickly and soon we were back on the path proper.
We had a great day on the hills and as we came off we were aware of poor Beinn Dearg who had his 15 mins of fame and because someone did the Maths has been struck from the list. Here's to Beinn Dearg.
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Beinn Dearg