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The weather was quite apparent while we we were trying to kip in our Oban hostel, it was actually trying to get into our window! An early MWIS check was not promising: more chance of a lightening strike than a cloud free munro. We clung to the hope it would clear up later, it's a long way from Woking to the West Highlands and I didn't fancy another rest (drinking) day. We decided to drive up towards Fort Bill and see how the day panned out. The sun came out as we approached Ballachuish so given the strong winds were emerging from the SW, the northerly approach to Beinn A' Bheithir was given approval by the committee having been almost blown off Beinn Eunaich on Friday.
The rain we'd endured on Mull yesterday had obviously fallen as snow here as we emerged from the forest to find a beautiful panarama of thick fresh snow ahead of us.
- The route ahead from forest
It was tricky going with no path to follow and just one pole between us. Anything is better than rain though and we trudged through the snow towards the coll which separates Mr. Dhonuill and his ginger haired brother, Mr. Dhearg. There is a steep bit before the coll where we were on all fours just trying to get a grip, it was quite often, one foot up, two down!
- Struggle up to the coll
Made the coll in around 2 hours and the sun even came out, so far so good. The views from the south side of the coll were amazing: Bidean nam Bian in all its scary finery, Beinn Fhionnlaidh shining white and away over to Starav and Lismore and Mull glistening across a clear blue sea. So much for the weather forecast of heavy rain and high winds!
- View south from coll
- Sgorr Dunhuill
- Uphill snae!
Turn right for Sgorr Dunhuill and a thick black cloud tracked us as we climbed up this beauty with a tasty little scramble at the end. Got one photo in before the predictable white out which lasted around 20 minutes during which time we huddled like penguins on the small summit.
- Top of Sgurr Dunuill
- Ominous cloud
- Scramble near top
When the cloud passed we hot footed it down to the coll and the sun came out again making for a pleasant stroll up the much more sedate Sgorr Dhearg.
- Ridge to Sgurr Dhearg
Lunch in glorious and wind free sunshine overlooking Glencoe. There are two routes down from here, we chose the one via Beinn Bhan (to bag another top).
- Beinn Bhan
This was a scenic route with excellent views of Bidean nam Bian all the way and the final destination Ballachuish village.
- View to Bidean nam Bian
The final 45 minutes is a bit of a drag though, crossing a bog towards the school in the village.
- Great views down Glen Coe
The only moment of joy during this stick boot moment was a lamb who thought I was his mother!
- Adopted lamb
Great walk - defying the weatherman is always a winner.
- Top of Sgurr Dunuill