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The Fisherfields is a vast sprawling remote area SW of Ullapool, just above Torridon (another part of Scotland i've yet to visit), where the mighty An Teallach lies...having conquered An Teallach and its pinnacles it was now time to enter the more remote Munros
In a report i did before the New Year i jokingly stated it was my 1st "wild camp" in 25 years, those who read the report would realize camping in the Red Squirrell in Glencoe didn't constitute such claims...after this weekend i think i earned my wild camping stripes!
We left Glasgow Friday night at 6.30pm - Gordon, Davy, Herman and Nicky on board for this weekends wild adventure.
Our route
Parked up at Corrie Halle 11.30pm and good to go for Midnight - we would be walking in 7k to set up camp 3k West at the foot of Beinn a'Chlaidheimh, next to Albhainn Loch an Nid...which we would cross in the morning.
The walk took around 2 hours and was easy going with only 350M ascent/descent.
Davy had lent me a 1 man tent, which he kindly showed me how to erect. I blew up my NeoAir Thermarest which i had purchased from WEBTOGS, using my winning TR vouchers and adding a few quid, ...a great piece of kit.
Head Torches out at 3am and it was off to noddy land...well not for me as i had a 3 season sleeping bag which was rather useless in the below zero temperature. I tossed and turned for the next 4 hours before finally getting up and venturing outside.
The chat soon turned to "gear talk" with all the boys proudly informing one and other on how super lite the recent purchase of a 4 season sleeping bag was, or how thick a mattress was, how big the rucksack, the weight of a tent, the space saving stoves...this would be a common theme of the trip, it was highly amusing watching the boys trying to "outdo" each other. I simply didn't get involved...i knew i had the biggest, thickest best perofming piece of kit...aye, my mattress
The plan was to tackle the 4 Easterly Munros and find a decent camping spot, next day finishing of the 2 Westerly ones. I was shocked at the weight i was carrying, around 17kg, and how i wish i had all that sooper dooper gear. We had plenty of time so onwards we went to crossing the river and heading up the East face of Beinn a'Chlaidheimh, and when finding the ridge walking SW to the summit.
This spot was too good not to take some photos, An Teallach in the background...
Fantastic views, this was going to be a belter of a walk...if the weather held out!
Nice little climb to the ridge...
The ridge...
The Summit - Herman on top...he nearly sent me flying as he turned, he forgot he was carrying such a large sack...is Herman old enough for the onset of early dementia!!
Follow the ridge SSW to reach Munro number 2 - Sgurr Ban
Take in the view NW to the Corbett Bienn Dearg Mor - what a Moontin!!
Striding upwards to Sgurr Ban
As we reached the summit the weather changed and it was now full on snow storms and clag, i was congratulating myself on donning my 4 season boots - apparently one of the lightest in the range
Its only 1km to Munro 3 - Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair...this should be an indicator to the steep ascent trying to reach its summit!!
There was no evident path up this face so it was picking a route and going for it. Gordon led the way before stepping aside and letting me take all the risks
I found this to be a nerve jangler as the snow was thin in places and extremely slushy, i kew one slip and it was a long hefty fall. I gingerly picked my way up through the snow and rocks. Herman had decided to head upwards in a straight line - i think he must have fancied trying out some new moves!! We both reached a safer part of the ridge but couldnt see the others behind us. Turns out Nicky froze when trying to follow Hermans route upwards, eventually Davy supported her up my route...hats off to Nicky for finding the strength to get on with it, she slept for 12 hours after the 1st day
Head South for 1k then West for 2k to reach the 4 th, and final, Munro for today - Beinn Tarsuinn
Like alot of the terrain around it was rocky and very time consuming to reach the summit. Gordon reaches the summit - snow aplenty!!
We would now follow the ridge along Beinn Tarsuinn before heading steeply down its SW face heading to Lochan Fada, we would pitch the tents here.
When reaching our camp spot the sun shone and the skies filled with a blue blanket
Day 1 was over and i was rather knackered. I used a super lite stove to make a Dhal Curry, totally wild how good this tasted
Nicky ate quickly and was sleeping for 8pm.
Gordon was very quiet and mysterious, i think he was having a private feast...he'll never get rid of that gut!!
Herman and Davy sat up till midnight talking the biggest load of manure known to man, they had shared a few wines and whiskies...I knew Herman loved to chat but Davy was something else, i'm sure he winds himself up when asleep...ready for the onslaught of chat he inflicts on others...inflict is rather harsh, Davy is a good guy...he just likes a wee chat, preferably with a nice "Rose" in his hand
Eventually i got a couple of hours kip...i was warmer than the 1st night but still cold.
On both occasions when wakening i found myself full of energy, how could you not be with such stunning scenery surrounding you. On Sunday morning the sun continued to shine brightly.
It was a 650M pull NW to the summit of A' Mhaighdean - the most remotest munro in Scotland...and my 200th.
I pushed on as i wanted some moments alone, i love reflecting on many things when walking the hills. I knew we went as a group but was sure the others wouldnt mind that i went ahead.
As usual i enjoyed the relentless march upwards towards the summit, the physical challenge putting a smile on my face...but i was excited as i had read so much about the views from here, i was now about to stand and witness them...and it was a clear day
The views...
The killer views
This was astonishing standing here, i felt very lucky...and very insignificant!! The view was worthy of the hype in my opinion.
Being windy at the summit we soon made our way to Munro 6 - Ruadh Stac Mor
The descent was steep and care was needed, again with the soft slushy snow underfoot.
On getting closer to RSM i realized another mini scramble was ahead...
Dont forget to visit the hidden (not so) cave...
More rock and boulders....
We followed the steep scree path to the left
More wonderful views opened up West to the sea
Summit views
The desent from RSM was slow due to weaving our way down the never ending boulder field!!
Eventually we reached a fine path that would take us to Shenavall Bothy. It was not a nice experience due to having 4 season boots on my feet, the weight of my rucksack was now making my shoulders hurt...i quick marched to the the bothy, intending to rest as i had pushed on from the others.
There was still 2 river crossings and a slog across 1.5k of wet boggy ground to reach the bothy
I reached the bothy and got chatting to the maintenance man who was in doing some work. Gordon wasnt far behind, we both rested for over an hour before the others came...to their credit they only took a short break before we all pushed on together to tackle the 7.5K walkout.
Final views...
We covered the last 7.5k in 1hr 50m - fantastic considering what went before.
This was an amazing experience in a trully stunning area. Although i didnt sleep the wild camping was good fun and something i will do again, but with all that sooper dooper gear. Big thanks to Gordon for driving, Davy for the tent, Herman and Nicky for the banter...and all the support and generosity showed.
We managed a 2 course meal in the Aultguish Inn, food was superb, before heading back to Glasgow. I got home well after midnight, shower and straight to bed...i had work in the morning
Scotland is a wild, rugged, barrron and beautiful country...and i finally got to sample "The Great Wilderness"
