Far from Easain's
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2014 6:14 pm
At last Big Jesper, had finished holidays to tropical climates and we had a date fixed, if weather would be kind to us. We had a few targets, but opted for Stob Coire Easain & Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin, with an early half five start. Great to have the roads to yourself on a sunny morning and we were soon kitted up, at the stony, parking area, just before the loch at Fersit.
Midge's soon zoomed in on us, so we quickly headed off into the jungle. It was difficult to be sure of the track at first, due to the thick growth of bracken. Would probably be more evident in winter. We came to a metal gate, over which seemed to be the line of the old tramway and after crossing a deep ditch, we made our way onto the open hill. Again paths were unclear, as we made our way through some tough, heathery stuff heading for the brow of Creag Fhinaclach. Already the sweat was beginning to flow.
Quite a long hike out to Meall Cian Dearg and some right boggy bits, which leaves one wondering whether it might be easier to come up from Loch Trieg? (Opinions, please.) Likewise, the steep 250m, or so climb up here is no cakewalk, but then begins to open up views of surrounding hills. In this heat, it was impossible to imagine the horrible foggy, freezing day we had over on Chno Dearg & Stob Coire Sgriodain, in April.
There's a few paths over this broad ridge, but it gradually narrows and nears the steep fall down the corrie's, into Loch Trieg as height is gained. By now the vista of views towards the Grey Corries, Ben Nevis, Mamores and Glencoe was truly mouth watering. We were just a bit less than two and a half hours to the summit of Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin, where we had a good stop for some much needed food and drink. Out of the blue another walker emerged from the direction of the second summit. Zoooom! No time for a word for us. Obviously in a hurry.
Stob Coire Easain is perhaps the more dramatic looking of the pair and about half an hour later we had made the drop down and rise to the summit.
We could see the path down into Coire Easain Beag, but we had our minds made up to return the same we had come, so it was the long hike back. If anything it seemed further heading down, always expecting the end to come in sight, one ridge after another. As on the way up, we probably, no, definitely, made a longer detour through the bracken, losing the trail back near the car. Ach well, we were needing the exercise and finally made it back to car after a fairly hard trek, of five hours, fifty minutes.
Only thing to add, was a fine pint, or Jasper's case, several fine pints in the Holly Tree and Creagan Inn. Yum! Another crackin' day in the hills. Bring on the next, Dr Jesper!
Midge's soon zoomed in on us, so we quickly headed off into the jungle. It was difficult to be sure of the track at first, due to the thick growth of bracken. Would probably be more evident in winter. We came to a metal gate, over which seemed to be the line of the old tramway and after crossing a deep ditch, we made our way onto the open hill. Again paths were unclear, as we made our way through some tough, heathery stuff heading for the brow of Creag Fhinaclach. Already the sweat was beginning to flow.
Quite a long hike out to Meall Cian Dearg and some right boggy bits, which leaves one wondering whether it might be easier to come up from Loch Trieg? (Opinions, please.) Likewise, the steep 250m, or so climb up here is no cakewalk, but then begins to open up views of surrounding hills. In this heat, it was impossible to imagine the horrible foggy, freezing day we had over on Chno Dearg & Stob Coire Sgriodain, in April.
There's a few paths over this broad ridge, but it gradually narrows and nears the steep fall down the corrie's, into Loch Trieg as height is gained. By now the vista of views towards the Grey Corries, Ben Nevis, Mamores and Glencoe was truly mouth watering. We were just a bit less than two and a half hours to the summit of Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin, where we had a good stop for some much needed food and drink. Out of the blue another walker emerged from the direction of the second summit. Zoooom! No time for a word for us. Obviously in a hurry.
Stob Coire Easain is perhaps the more dramatic looking of the pair and about half an hour later we had made the drop down and rise to the summit.
We could see the path down into Coire Easain Beag, but we had our minds made up to return the same we had come, so it was the long hike back. If anything it seemed further heading down, always expecting the end to come in sight, one ridge after another. As on the way up, we probably, no, definitely, made a longer detour through the bracken, losing the trail back near the car. Ach well, we were needing the exercise and finally made it back to car after a fairly hard trek, of five hours, fifty minutes.
Only thing to add, was a fine pint, or Jasper's case, several fine pints in the Holly Tree and Creagan Inn. Yum! Another crackin' day in the hills. Bring on the next, Dr Jesper!