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Some diversions can be tortuous and lengthy in the extreme; others can prove to be a brief welcome surprise. With the round trip from Ayrshire to Durness for the latest Walkhighlands gathering likely to be well in excess of 600 miles, I simply sought a positive opportunity to break the journey.
With Gael Charn lurking on the western fringe of the Monadhliath, a lone red balloon marooned amidst surrounding blue, the detour to Garva Bridge from the A9 appealed.
- General Wade's construction at Garva Bridge
The twin arches of General Wade’s bridge appear incongruous in the surrounding landscape, but no doubt troops of 18th century soldiers appreciated not having to get their feet too wet while in search of some renegade Jacobite. I too was grateful and crossed it to begin the walk.
- The north-east side of the Creag Meagaidh massif
Now there’s not really a great deal to write home about on such a straightforward ascent. The guidebooks are clear in their descriptions and, by-and-large, the paths and tracks are not too difficult to follow. The Feith Talagain and then the Allt Coire nan Dearcag are companions for the majority of the way before striking up the shoulder descending from Gael Charn.
- The south west shoulder of Gael Charn from the Allt Coire nan Dearcag
Once the waterfalls have been passed it’s a fairly monotonous trudge upwards, with little to inspire on either side. Behind, the panorama across Creag Meagaidh and the Loch Laggan Munros, have to wait until the descent to be enjoyed.
When a cairn appears to break the skyline don’t surge into a frantic burst of activity: the summit and its stately, sturdy cairn stand a good seven or eight hundred metres further along the plateau.
- A sturdy summit cairn on Gael Charn
Sadly, despite blue sky above, the surrounding views were largely lost in a spring haze. As a result, photographs were limited and once a snack had been devoured, there seemed little point in hanging around.
As the day warmed, the distant views improved. The cascades of the Allt Coire nan Dearcag were there to be enjoyed, but it wasn’t quite warm enough to have the boots off and feet soaking in the crystal pools.
- Enjoy the waterfalls and cascades on the Allt Coire nan Dearcag
- Looking back to Gael Charn - now the haze and mists have disappeared
Although there was no rush, the A9 still figuratively beckoned. The diversionary four hour walk had stretched the legs and allowed me a glimpse into yet another corner of Scotland of which I was unfamiliar. Gael Charn won’t be figuring in any of my top ten lists, but as a snatched opportunity it fitted the bill.
However, the lure of Sutherland’s peaks and beaches spurred me on. A very different landscape awaited.
