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Weather forecast was excellent, so sarnies and bag packed the night before..... An early night was planned, however, got involved I watching the Dutch Semi ... Which went to extra time AND penalties! .... No early night and went to bed disappointed! I'm making no excuses for having spent half a day reading route Guides, tracing my route on my map and being prepared!
How did I land up doing these two hills when I fully intended doing A'Chailleach & Sgurr Breac
It's a good idea to park in the correct car park... Not one 5 miles away, and assume it's correct, I even doubted my gps!
Anyway.... I was very aware of my error very early on, and decided to follow the sign posts, didn't even know at that point that Beinn Liath Mhor was a Munro at that point! Oh dear! I must say that when I commited to continue the walk I knew exactly where I was and what I was doing!
Off my trusty hound Tollaidh and I went, stopping for a dip in the river for Tollaidh, whilst I was eaten alive by midges.... Actually midges are pussycats compared to CLEGGS! Who pestered me ALL day! Even biting through my clothes! HORRIBLE creatures! Can anyone tell me their purpose in life? Sure I needed a blood transfusion by the end of the day!
Navigation was simple enough to negotiate up the hill, gaining height quickly. Views were spectacular
An easy climb onto Creag Dhubh Fannaich, where a little breeze had got up, just enough to banish the pesky midges and B.Cleggs! Quick banana stop, and now realising I was going to still add a couple of munros to my "tick list" soldiered on to Beinn Liath Mhor. Views opening up towards An Tealleach and beyond, breathtaking beauty!
- A Hot Tollaidh
The cross over to Sgurr Mhor was pretty easy, stopping to take photos along the way. Interesting little shelter.... Don't think too many would fit in there through, bit too snug!
Whilst sat up top, with my midge friends, I was severely tempted to carry on and do the ridge across to Meall Gorm and An Coileachan, however as I hadn't swatted up on those two, I didn't want to tempt fate, kinda wish I had done though!
A bit of map studying, in my wisdom, I decided rather than to climb back up Beinn Liath, I would contour round the side of it..... Wish I had just retraced my steps.... Jeez that was tough going! Bit of scrambling, not easy under foot, have I mentioned midges? Well they were there too! At one point got the fright of my life when a deer coughed or barked or something! Jeez ... Sound like an auld manny that had smoked 100 fags a day for life!
EVENTUALLY we rejoined the talkers path, by which time, not only was it getting on in time, my legs were done tramping, I could see my car, miles down the road.... Every stone I kicked hurt like hell, sunburnt, bitten (yeah I was smidged up) but it was the B.Cleggs that did the biting, they don't appear to mind a gob full of smidge before they sucked my blood!
Anyway... Back to the car, safe and sound... Two hills to add to my 100th which I did last week , Ben More, Mull.
I will go back and nab the intended hills... Soon!