Lunchbreak skive: Meall Lochan a' Chleirich

[malky_c]

Sub 2000 Marilyns: Meall Lochan a'Chleirich.
Date: 12/06/2014.
Distance: 3km
Ascent: 280m
Time taken: 50 minutes.
Weather: Overcast but warm and pleasant

I didn't really have time for this walk, as I was on a quick site visit to Poolewe, and had lots to do back in Inverness in the afternoon. However it was lunchtime and quite pleasant, so I went anyway. I initially stopped at the green hut next to Loch Bad nan Sgalaig, but there looked to be a bit of bog-hopping from there. So I carried on towards the cattle grid where the road widened, finding a pull-off shortly before it.

Meall Lochan a Cleirich.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

There is a gate over the deer fence at the cattle grid, then it is straight into rough ground. The area is planted with saplings, and the fence has prevented grazing, so the vegetation is quite long. I had left the map in the car so accidentally detoured across a smaller lump before getting onto easier ground.

Towards Loch Gairloch:


The ridge towards the summit provided some nice walking on bare rock, and some easy scrambliing as well. Within 40 minutes or so I was at the summit cairn.

Rocky ridge – some nice scrambling:


While it was a bit overcast for photos, all of the big summits were on display, as well as a great view of the rash of islands in Loch Maree. I could just make out the Trotternish, although a little hazy.

Beinn Airigh Charr:


Slioch:


Flowerdale Forest and the back of Torridon:


Loch Maree islands:


North end of the Trotternish Peninsula just visible:


Beinn an Eoin and Liathach:


Slioch:


Islands, A’ Mhaigdhean and Beinn Lair:


I returned by a route a little north of the one I had come up to avoid any extra ascent. There were a few drops off minor crags that had to be negotiated using hands, then back into a gully and thick vegetation before meeting the road again. One of those hills that has great views, but doesn't tie into a longer walk particularly easily. So I was glad to have a quick hour to nip up it on the way to somewhere else.

[jmarkb]

What a brilliant place for a skive! Cracking viewpoint - next time I go rock climbing there, I'll definitely go and visit the summit.

I initially stopped at the green hut next to Loch Bad nan Sgalaig, but there looked to be a bit of bog-hopping from there.

Another option would be to follow the track from the green hut for about half a mile, then there's a climber's path which crosses the burn and leads to the crags on the west side of the hill, from where it's not far to the top.

[AnnieMacD]

Malky, you take every opportunity available! Great wee walk by the looks of it - and fantastic views.