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I had attempted to do this walk two weeks previously with a friend of mine up from England but gale force winds knocking us off our feet sent us scurrying back to the car just short of the col. No such problems this weekend! When it finally got light and I walked out of the early morning mist, all I could see was blue sky.
I thought I was up and about early as I set off about 0745 but there were already two others on the hill further ahead of me. When I got up to the col I was even more surprised at finding someone had a high level camp the previous night and was just having a brew. After a few quick words I headed to the summit of Beinn Dorain. There was not a spot of wind or cloud and I reached the summit quickly (for me) where I had a quick sarnie, a hot drink and a wee nip out of the flask and said cheers to my mate who couldn't get up this weekend.
After this I headed back to the col, which was by now starting to get quite busy, and took off up Beinn an Dothaidh. The summit of this is not as far from the col as Beinn Dorain is, although if you 'lose' the path (ahem) it can get quite boggy. On reaching the top there was again stunning views looking down onto the Black Mount all the way over to Ben Nevis. Looking over to the right there is Beinn Mhanach and Beinn Achaladair and tiny wee dots on the hill walking between them.
After taking in the views and another sarnie I started the walk back down to Bridge of Orchy and the car, stopping off for a quick bottle of (alcohol free) beer in the bar at the hotel.
