Beinn Heasgarnich -you took the breath right out of my mouth

[JimboJim]

Well, it had been a long time coming but, Big Jesper and I were getting a bit itchy feet, having not managed on the hills since the turn of the year. The forecast wasn't looking great, 50-60mph winds, possible rain/snow, freezing temps, but when 'ya gotta go, ya gotta go,' as somone once said. It was a marginal call, but we decided to head for Beinn Heasgarnich, having knocked of Creag Mhor, late last year, on another interesting day out. Less said, the better maybe?
Anyway, with weather looking so unpredictable, we decided not to do the hero thing and just took the wagon, right up the hill, after Kenknock, parking just by Lochan Learg nan Lunn. The wind was blowing strong as we prepared to head off at 8.30a.m. and after we had both volunteered to wait till the other returned, we hit the trail, somewhat in trepidation as to what the weather would bring and conditions underfoot.
The going was certainly pretty wet and obvious bogs to stay well clear of. On some days, I guess visibility might make it harder to avoid them. We generally headed west, to SW heading for the north end of the crags of Creag na h-Achlarich, the main problem being to find a crossing point over the Allt Tarsainn, which is more of an Allt, than you might think. Once over there is a fairly steep, but relatively short rise close by a waterfall, then once again onto the flatter, boggy stuff across Coir Ban Mor, which we took to the south of the summit, then made directly north to the top, where it was fair blowing a hooly!
The predictions of 60mph gales couldn't have been far wrong, as we were just about blown off the ridge, having to hold on to each other as we were blown back and forward, round and round. Communication was more or less by gestures, as the wind took the words right out of my mouth, to quote ol' Meat Loaf.

Big Jesper

Jimbo

Are we on the right hill?

Eventually we made it to the cairn and after a quick double check of our location and a picture, or two, we set off back, more or less following the same route. It had taken just under two hours to the summit and we are back at the car in about 3hrs 20m, despite the odd slip, slide and detour round bogs to do the 7 mile trip.
Enough for our first venture of the year. Hopefully, won't be too long till our next and look forward to seeing you there, or somewhere.

[The Rodmiester]

Good on you JimboJim, I did this one over 20years ago and cannot remember much about it as I found it less than inspiring. Doesn't look very nice at all, but you made it so that's you off collecting those blue balloons for this year, you will be hoping for better weather for your next adventure.

[davedanson28]

Well done Jim...and Jaffa of course! Sounds and looks like you had a character building experience on this outing! Catch you soon Dave.

[JimboJim]

Thanks, Meister Rod and Dave. Yes, was a bit of a test in different ways, but not the most exacting in terms of distance and ascent, which was probably as well, due to our lack of practice recently. Not that inspiring, as you say, but will probably have its good views to enjoy on a better day and at least it has given me an excuse to explain my baldness, though not sure how many will believe the wind blew it away? (And blue balloon ticked. Next please!)