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Two recent life experiences on opposite sides of the spectrum encouraged a return into the highlands for some therapy on the hills. This time it was the Mullardoch four from the dam anti clockwise circuit and back via the loch side. I started at the car park at 0720 and enjoyed the customary embrace from the flying blanket of midgies.
The walk along to the wee tin hut was pleasant and offered nice views down the loch with the low clouds and patchy blue sky.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
At the hut it was a case of striking upwards onto the hill aiming for Mullach na Maoile 761mm top. Underfoot was wet and the dew on the grass and ferns ensured that the feet were drenched within 5 minutes. My tick antenna was also on overdrive. During the day I reckon I removed at least 4 of the wee parasites.
After passing through the gap in the fence the incline steepened and did not abate until nearer the top.
mullardochaug2013 006 by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Thankfully the going eased as the ferns disappeared and the height of the flora dropped. At 761m a wee abstract structure had been assembled on the cairn, very artistic and offered a nice view through to the other side of Glen Cannich and Toll Creagach.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I carried on North along the broad plateau before rising up stony ground to arrive at the first large summit cairn then on a short distance to the second cairn of Carn nan Gobhar at 0915.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I continued WNW down the broad ridge to the bealach passing above loch Tuill Bhearnach
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
before following the path WNW in and around the crags to lead up to the large summit cairn and trig point of Sgurr na Lapaich at 1150m on the narrow crest top at 1020. Visibility was not great at this time so views were limited.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The next section required donating some height to reach the broad grassy col above Loch Mor then a gradual rise led to the summit ridge of An Rhaibachan. There was a point just after leaving the summit where you were tempted to continue Southwards along the main ridge but this would lead you over to Braigh a Choire Bhig 1011m.
Lower down the clouds burned off and the views improved considerably, loch Mor and Loch Beag looked nice down below.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The summit ridge was long with three sections and large cairns positioned to the east , central and west.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The middle cairn was the actual summit at 1129m which was reached at 1125. Excellent views all around this remote area.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
After passing the west ridge cairn the path descended steeply NW
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
then narrowed as it continued SW to the col then West toward up the east ridge of An Socach.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Got a great view across to the hills I climbed in the winter and had the scary moment on sgurr nan ceathreamhnan...looked very benign without the snow and ice.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The path rose steeply to reach the crescent summit ridge then along to the large summit cairn and trig point at 1315.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Summit provided a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains which seemed more impressive from this perspective.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Good conversation with three lads from the central belt who had started from the dam. I asked how long had it taken, and they said 5 hours, and I went you’re having a fckn laugh…Another 5 hours!! Then I remembered that they had to walk through the wet ferns and up the boggy terrain to reach this summit. A long walk out then.
I walked back with the lads to the col at 110336 then set off down coire mhaim toward the wooden hut at the landing place for the boats. Going was tough and boggy in parts.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Eventually reached the bridge at the loch and spied an argo unit..I wondered if they had conveniently left the keys in it for us walkers!!! Nope.!! Still it would not have been an easy ride out as the path was too narrow.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The 8km walk out was long and tiring with the warm sun beating down on the nape. I tried walking along the shoreline to break the monotony but this was tiresome too. But the views were awesome.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
After some time I crossed the first river at Allt Taige
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
then later the main rocky crossing at Allt Mullardoch.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Both were fine due to the low water levels but care would be needed if in spate.
I looked back and enjoyed the fine scenery before heading for the dam.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I passed a number of moored boats at the bay at the head of the dam and wondered which one was going to replace the previous ferry service up to the other end of the loch.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Some more fine views from the gatepost outside the lodge looking back down the loch.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I returned to the car at 1750.
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scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The wee midgies were dormant so I changed swiftly and got off to Inverness for a nice beef curry and chips.
On reflection the overall walk was better than expected and helped me to come to terms with and prepare for the funeral of a dear family member.
Another option for this walk would be to split it up over two visits. One could enter via Glen Strathfarrar and park at power station then walk up to AS and back via AR to car and exit glen before the gate was locked. Take another day to climb CnG and SnL starting from the Mullardoch dam with a much reduced return via the loch side which would take about 6 hours. This would mean two visits but would split the walk up and avoid the tiresome walk along the lochside. I would recommend that one avoids the long walk in first thing in the morning when it is wet or if the dew is on the ground unless you want wet feet and clothing.
