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Todays walk was a last minute one, but a special one as it was to be Caesars (Davies) last munro. The main man slagged me months ago for continually climbing new hills on my todd, and for not climbing repeats with the others in order to get the banter on the hills
So when Caesar messaged me 4 days before to say that Saturday in Knoydart would be his last munro as the weather was looking fairly decent. I had to jump at the chance! Even although I was over in Rum and had some viral infection. I jumped at the opportunity to head to Knoydart.. not for the balloons, but of course for the banter
I stayed in Mallaig on the Friday night in the Mission Bunkhouse. £20 for a bunk. Fairly basic but did the trick. Very central and a great breakfast in the café downstairs. Theres a decent kitchen and an old 1970s sitting area. Davie enjoyed the stay the 2nd night more, with Michael surprising him during the night
- The mode of transport to Inverie
Davie had pre arranged the boat over with Iain taking us across at 7am. £12 each way if 6 folk on board. Cracking wee guy and well recommended. Seemingly Iain also does a bit of hillwalking/guiding on Knoydart too.
- Square go or What time will we meet at in the room tonight?
We were all suited and booted and ready to start the walk at 750am. We left the pier and headed right, passed the Old Forge Bar and followed the road through the woodland. We continued on the road and then followed the track signposted for Kinlochhourn. We followed the track, leaving the forest and passed the Brocket Memorial on our left high up on the hill.
- The Brocket Memorial
We continued passed the memorial and then left the track where a cairn marks the spot on the track and we followed the track to the right, crossing a bridge and down towards Druim Bothy.
- Cairn marking the cut off towards MB and LB
- The Bothy. Matching couple :)
After the Bothy we crossed another bridge and headed up ''Tick Hill''! With a few of us removing ticks even 3 days after the walk. We headed up the steep slopes of Druim Righeanach to gain the ridge of Meall Buidhe. We allowed the guys to set the pace and what a pace it was
This was pretty steep going, with a few rests required.
- Heading to MB
Once the ridge is reached, The ridge descends slightly and then ascends again to reach the summit of Meall Buidhe. With a well worn path to the summit. From the summit we dropped west out of the cold wind and stopped for lunch.
- Summit of MB
From the summit of Meall Buidhe we headed to the Bealach he coire and down towards Meall Coire na Gaoithe n Ear, with a few of us skirting around this to try and save time!
- Towards the Loch an Dubh Lochain
Once on the bealach the views were cracking over to Sgurr na Ciche. With David Bailey stopping to take our photo.
- Sgurr na Ciche in the background
We reached the bealach choire odhair and then headed north west up to the summit of Luinne Bheinn.
- Hello Sailor. Heading up LB
- Michael and his Hole
- Climbing LB
- Heading towards the summit of LB
The walk up the ridge towards Luinne Bheinn was steep, but pretty straight forward. Spying the summit to be clear of clag we quickly made our way to the top. Once on the summit we waited on Loonie Bin joining us on his final munro Luinne Bheinn. Debating which cairn was the highest, we visited both. We reached the summit in just under 6 hours. Champers, beer and a wee dram were enjoyed as Caeaser savoured the moment. Well done that man
- The Smiling Compleatist
- The Monkey !
- Boy band
After the bevy was finished at the summit we headed north down to Bachd Mhic an Tosaich for a further food stop and then picked the track up at Mam Barrisdale. From here we followed the path towards Loch an Dubh Lochain and headed back along the long long long path back to Inverie. 10 minutes from the pub Iain appeared up the track in his landrover to make sure that the stragglers were ok. Pity he didnt appear a good hour before or i would have been in that landrover to save the weary legs
The rain came on as we made our away along the good track towards the pub
- The Old Forge
Arrived at the pub after 10 hours 10minutes from the start and just in time for one wee refreshment in the Old Forge Bar, before catching the boat at 7pm back to Mallaig. We decided against camping on Knoydart as it was to be heavy rain and there was no available accommodation.
We sampled the local food in the Steam Inn in Mallaig and a few well deserved beers and ales in the local pubs. Great weekend was had by all. Well done to Caesar on your compleation and thanks to the guys and girls for the great company and banter over the weekend
