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I have no idea why my walk distances seem to be so much longer than those of others for the same routes other than the fact that I faff about so much taking photos and I zig-zag and circle around looking at all the great views. This walk was no exception. On my GPS I use the trip data (which I learned is much more accurate that the track data) to record distance and metres of ascent so assume they are correct. But still it meant that I walked almost 4km more than the described WH route. Yikes!
I loved this walk. It's a bit of a slog to gain the summit ridge, but you start off at 150m so the car does a bit of the work for you. Once there, it's heaven on a beautiful sunny day. The views of all the surrounding hills are fantastic and I fell in love with the superb west ridge of Moruisg and have now promised myself the treat of walking the eastern ridge another time.
A little way up the slope and Fuar Tholl comes into view. Next to it it Sgorr Ruadh.
Moruisg by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
A bit further up and I heard the chug chug of the train. This is the main Kyle line (OK, the only Kyle line!) and way down in the valley was the train heading into Glen Carron - hope you can see it. Beinn Eighe in the background.
Moruisg-2 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Moruisg-3 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Just after I finished the steep section where the two gullies almost meet, I caught up with a lovely woman from Blairgowrie. Her husband was up ahead but we plodded up to the summit together exchanging life stories! What a delightful couple. They had only 30 Munros left to compleat and I was the recipient of much wisdom and many tips of which more later. They stayed only a short time at the summit and headed off for Sgurr nan Ceannaichean where we were to meet up later. I made a circuit of the summit looking mainly to the east and south. Wow! Maoile Lunndaidh looks amazing from here with its huge corrie (Fuar-tholl Mor) - definitely need to get up there but it's miles from anywhere.
From the eastern edge of the Moruisg summit, you look down on Loch Cnoc na Mointeach. Beyond is Loch Gowan and Achnasheen.
Moruisg-4 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
The east ridge of Moruisg. Carn Gorm at the end but it doesn't register as a Corbett .
Moruisg-5 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Looking towards the Fannichs with Fionn Bheinn bang in the centre.
Moruisg-6 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Glen Carron with the Achnashellach hills looking grand.
Moruisg-7 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Liathach and Beinn Eighe. You can see the car park way down below.
Moruisg-8 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
The rocks up here are slabs so the summit cairn is a work of art.
Moruisg-9 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
This is my only photo of Maoile Lunndaidh from Moruisg and it's out of focus but you get an idea of the lovely Fuar-tholl Mor.
Moruisg-10 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
The Cuillin were emerging from the haze. You can also see the Lochcarron hills (Sgurr a Gharaidh and Creag na h-Iolaire) and the long ridge of Beinn Bhan behind. But Fuar Tholl really dominates the scene.
Moruisg-11 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Beinn Eighe zoomed in. I'm thinking I may do this hill in two walks as that east ridge looks inviting.
Moruisg-12 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Anyway, it was time to move on and get along the ridge towards Sgurr nan Ceannaichean - and what a fantastic ridge it is. One's attention now turn to SnC and Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a' Chaorachain. This ridge not only looks good but is a pleasure to walk. It's soft, but not too soft, moss and short grass. Oh the joy!
Moruisg-13 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Coire Toll nam Bian. The descent path follow the burn after descending Creag a' Chait on the left.
Moruisg-14 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Looking towards the bealach and then the ascent of Sgurr nan Cheannaichean.
Moruisg-15 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Zoomed to the Cuillin.
Moruisg-16 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
You can see the Applecross Sgurr a' Chaorachain (Corbett) behind the Lochcarron hills, Beinn Bhan, An Ruadh Stac and Fuar Tholl.
Moruisg-17 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
As I ascended Sgurr nan Cheannaichean I came across the couple from Blairgowrie having their lunch so stopped and joined them. What a delight they were and I, as a newbie, gained lots of knowledge and tips from them. They insisted my pack was too heavy - I agree - so we were trying to eliminate objects. Of course I had a good reason for everything I carried but it does really weigh me down - literally. We decided the spare laces were the straw that broke the camel's back
They then went on down the hill and I headed up to the second summit of the day. It too had a great summit plateau if a bit smaller. Great views all round.
Looking back to Moruisg. I met another couple sunning themselves and having lunch just below the summit - you can see them heading down the hill on the left.
Moruisg-18 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Summit plateau looking north.
Moruisg-25 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Looking down Glen Fhiodhaig with Glenuaig Lodge far down the slope - Maoile Lunndaidh on the right and Moruisg on the left.
Moruisg-19 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
The way down Creag a' Chait.
Moruisg-20 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Wide-angle of Maoile Lunndaidh - note to self - get a mountain bike!
Moruisg-21 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Panorama of Bidean an Eoin Deirg, Sgurr a' Chaorachain, Sgurr Choinnich and the pointy Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich at the back.
Moruisg-24 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Unfortunately I couldn't stay up there forever so reluctantly made my way down Creag a' Chait. I somehow missed the right turn to avoid the ridge but didn't find it bad - actually it's another great ridge and not too steep. Had to get across a few peat hags and then crossed the burn to join the path. This is a lovely corrie (Coire an t-Seilich) to look at but I really had a hard time with the path/bog. You get on to a good bit of path and march along only to hit a bog and are up to your ankles in peaty mud - yuck. It took me ages to get down and there were a few choice words thrown out into the ether
See, it look idyllic, doesn't it?
Moruisg-22 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
Looking back up with a good bit of the path on the left!
Moruisg-23 by
anniesmountains, on Flickr
It was a great relief to reach the railway underpass and back to the car.
Altogether a fabulous day on two fantastic hills. Another world (Monar) opened up now too!