Mullardoch Day 1

[bootsandpaddles]

MULLARDOCH DAY 1

Arriving at the dam at about 11.30am and the weather being pretty good I decided to have a go at the nearest two Munros, Carn nan Gobhar and Sgurr na Lapaich. I followed the higher track across to the bridge over the Allt Mullardoch although having taken the lower path the next day (twice!) I don’t think there is a lot to choose between the two. Views along the loch were stunning and I reminisced about previous trips to Glen Affric as I marched along.

Loch Mullardoch

Once over the river I headed straight up the steep slopes of Mullach na Maoile. From the top I could see the broad, rocky south ridge of Carn nan Gobhar as it climbed out of a slight dip.

Carn nan Gobhar with Sgurr na Lapaich behind

Gaining the summit plateau I crossed to cairn just as the cloud closed in, the wind got up and it started to snow. But not before I had a brief glance at Sgurr na Lapaich which looked rather daunting: very steep with quite a covering of snow . I gave myself a stern talking to about being a wimp and carried on down to the bealach. It is a long way down and gives quite a good bailing out option past the beautiful Loch Tuill Bhearnach.

The weather cleared so I had a good view up the ridge. “If you come to anything you don’t fancy you can always turn back” I told myself. It was hard going through the wet, soft snow but I finally made it to the last snow-filled gully

The only way is up

and there I was on the summit. I enjoyed the brilliant views of the ridge to Sgurr nan Clachan Geala

Sgurr nan Clachan Geala

whilst congratulating myself on being so brave . I had a look across towards An Riabhachan but that could wait til tomorrow.

Looking west

Off I went down the ridge bearing east where it divided, and then down to the Allt Taige. After crossing quite high up in the corrie I picked up a path that led back down to the lochside and then along to the bridge and back to the dam. An excellent half day’s walk, although it has to be said that it was extremely boggy and wet everywhere that wasn’t covered in soft, wet snow.

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[monty]

Nice walk Boots........
Brings back memories. Nice set of photos. Look forward to episode 2.

[Lady Di]

Cool, I did the exact same on Saturday! I set off at midday...erm, had intended to leave at 8am however that's another story! I Need to go back to do the other two (wat a thought...that path is, well, in a word, LONG!) I was watering at the mouth to hit the other two however the thought of me, mysel & I, my head torch & some mountain goats didn't take my fancy so I headed back towards the dam.

Let me know if you're heading back, will join! If I can really face that path again that is, otherwise I may go for it this wknd...or call the mannie in the boat, or grab a kayak!!