IOOth Munro Conquered.
Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:26 pm
A fairly decent weather forecast encouraged me to go and bag my 100th Munro. I decided on the Fannichs and do the 3 middle ones. Left home at 6am and arrived 3 hours later at the start point at Loch a' Bhraoin. Some other guys were in the process of setting off. I said hello and wished them a good day.
A wee while later I set off on a good track to the boathouse. I was familiar with this path as 2 years earlier I did the 2 Western Fannich's. Over the good bridge on to the path I was happy with oneself. Getting to 100 would be a good feeling and encourage me to bag more.
Along the Allt Breabaig I crossed over at a convenient spot. Made my way south and then up the western grassy slopes of Meall a' Chrasgaigh at 934 metres. This would be my crowning achievement. However hiking up the fairly steep slopes and no path would require some considerable effort. Up ahead I could see 4 guys spread out. No doubt each with their own thoughts to make the climb less tedious.
I caught up with John bringing up the rear. We talked and hiked and the time passed quickly.
Soon we caught up with the others at the summit . I told them this was my 100th. Congratulations were offered and celebratory photos taken. The guys never had a camera so I offered to take some pictures and e-mail them.
The weather was a bit cold with odd sleet showers but visibility was good. A cup of tea and a bite to eat, we set off together.
An easy walk down took us quickly to the bealach whilst looking at our next objective Sgurr nan Clach Geala standing proud. The wee lochan was semi frozen.
As we climbed the mist descended which was a pity as the view of it's eastern craggy rock face would have been impressive. As we hiked up we stayed away from thick snow cornices that were overhanging the ridge. Safety was paramount. Eventually the mist lifted a little so we could see where we're going and notice the steep cliffs on our left side.
At the summit we're back in the mist so it was disappointing not to get the views. Also it was very cold so a cup of tea and it's off again. Every now and again we got glimpses through the mist to tease us. Soon it disappeared leaving us to admire the views all around. This is what drives us to climb these mountains.
An easy enjoyable walk down by the ridge line to the flat bealach our 3rd Munro, Sgurr nan Each was waiting for us.
It didn't take us long to ascend where for the first time we could sit and eat, relaxing in the knowledge that the hard work was done now.
Back down to the bealach we headed west down the path which we lost at times to the Allt Breabaig. We may have conquered the Munro's but there was still a 5km walk back to the car. The good path made it easy going.
Instead of crossing the burn I continued on it's eastern side to look for a bridge that is not marked on the O.S map 1998. John decided to join me as we followed the burn down. It wasn't long before we came across the bridge. A photo taken which I'll post on the website www.geograph.org.uk This site aims to have photos in every sq km of the country. It's a useful research tool to see what others have photographed.
From the bridge a grass track runs west to a white marker post just yards away from the south side of the bridge at Loch a' Bhraoin. It could be very handy if the Allt Breabaig is in spate.
All in all an enjoyable day which continued at the Aultguish Inn where I celebrated with John and Gerry with a few pints. Raymond and Dougie decided to go straight home. So thanks to these guys for letting me join them on their day.]