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Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 8:28 pm
by scottishkennyg
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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mullardochaug2013 005 by 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.
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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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mullardochaug2013 017 by 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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mullardochaug2013 021 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 024 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I continued WNW down the broad ridge to the bealach passing above loch Tuill Bhearnach
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mullardochaug2013 030 by 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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mullardochaug2013 036 by 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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mullardochaug2013 067 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 075 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 078 by 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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mullardochaug2013 081 by 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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mullardochaug2013 087 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

After passing the west ridge cairn the path descended steeply NW
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mullardochaug2013 125 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 105 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 106 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 105 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 111 by 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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mullardochaug2013 114 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 115 by 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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mullardochaug2013 116 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 121 by 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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mullardochaug2013 127 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 133 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 134 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Summit provided a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains which seemed more impressive from this perspective.
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mullardochaug2013 131 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 145 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 147 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 148 by 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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mullardochaug2013 157 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
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mullardochaug2013 161 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

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mullardochaug2013 163 by 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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mullardochaug2013 171 by 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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mullardochaug2013 179 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
After some time I crossed the first river at Allt Taige
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mullardochaug2013 185 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
then later the main rocky crossing at Allt Mullardoch.
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mullardochaug2013 188 by 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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mullardochaug2013 191 by 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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mullardochaug2013 195 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Some more fine views from the gatepost outside the lodge looking back down the loch.
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mullardochaug2013 198 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I returned to the car at 1750.
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mullardochaug2013 203 by 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.

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 8:48 pm
by Collaciotach
Enjoyed that grand photos

Best of luck a' bhalaich and sorry for your loss

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:14 pm
by PeteR
It's a great therapy, walking in the hills :wink:

Really great timing in posting your report on these four. They are high on my list to do this year if I can :D Your photos have certainly whetted my appetite :D I'll no doubt be returning to your report in the future :thumbup:

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:50 pm
by andymeg123
Hi Scottish KG

Cracking photos. Epic walk in only 10.5 hours!! Looks like you had good weather for the walk. Am planning this walk sometime but looks even longer in the photos so may have to break into chunks.

Andymeg123

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 6:48 pm
by scottishkennyg
Collaciotach wrote:Enjoyed that grand photos

Best of luck a' bhalaich and sorry for your loss


thanks Collaciotach Slàinte mhath!

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:53 pm
by scottishkennyg
PeteR wrote:It's a great therapy, walking in the hills :wink:

Really great timing in posting your report on these four. They are high on my list to do this year if I can :D Your photos have certainly whetted my appetite :D I'll no doubt be returning to your report in the future :thumbup:

Cheers PeteR, you will certainly enjoy the trek, hopefully the going is dry for you and the clouds are high.

Re: Mullardoch Four in Pictures

PostPosted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:50 pm
by scottishkennyg
andymeg123 wrote:Hi Scottish KG

Cracking photos. Epic walk in only 10.5 hours!! Looks like you had good weather for the walk. Am planning this walk sometime but looks even longer in the photos so may have to break into chunks.

Andymeg123

Cheers AM. You might be able to tackle the remote two from Glen Strathfarrar power station and get the other two from the dam in easier days...