Sunrise On The Torridon Hills - Photos Added

[prophetofdom]

Left Inverness at 6am for a dark lonely drive across to the West coast and the wee town of Annat. Parked in our usual spot near the Ben Damh Bar and walked up the stalkers track through the lovely forest of Scots Pine with occasional rowans and larch trees. Alas also well populated with rhody which although continually cut back has sent and placed several ‘scouts’ of virile new shoots alongside the path which will prove an extra nuisance to remove.

In the dull twilight we walked feeling a little drunk as the eyes worked overtime in the gloom to adjust our balance and it was with relief when we emerged from the forest, already a couple of hundred metres to the good, and with more light to aid the retina’s.

Here the excellent stalkers path splits and we carried on across the moor heading slowly upwards as the light grew stronger. Feeling energised and buoyant today I made good progress toward and up the hill and as the light increased I found myself just short of the Lunar Cairn by sunrise so gazelle like I hoofed it up to the top in order to avail a fine view of the sun’s orange opening gambit cascading over the rock of the fine neighbours across the Loch. Ben Alligin and Liathach amongst others.

Forecast today was for gale winds and driving rain but this morning it was beautiful. A little promise of what was coming as we skipped along the ridge soaking up the views all round. Torridon really is the most stunning and magnificent place to walk.

Hot tea, pieces and a little chocolate and a great day on the hills – short days in winter – but the weather was our closer today calling us down before the light failed and back to the Ben Damh Bar only to find it closed now after the tourists have left and only open on weekends. Looking forward to returning here soon, although that may not be until February now.

[Paula Hubens]

Alas also well populated with rhody which although continually cut back has sent and placed several ‘scouts’ of virile new shoots alongside the path which will prove an extra nuisance to remove.

Ah yes, rhody bashing... Now that they have come up with a solution for painting the Forth bridge, I think getting rid of rhododendron is a good candidate to fill the gap in that expression

I hoofed it up to the top in order to avail a fine view of the sun’s orange opening gambit cascading over the rock of the fine neighbours across the Loch.

Sounds like lovely walk with a stunning sunrise! I'm dying to see the pictures

[Paula Hubens]

Very nice