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After an overnight camp next to the Glen Orchy river set off at 6.30am from the station. Had to get a move on to avoid the squadron of midges which were making up for lost time. Decided to wear my winter boots as I was expecting it be to wet and boggy underfoot. Turned out to be a good call! Sadly the MWIS forecast was not accurate.
It felt very muggy on the way up to the bealach and I was glad to be shot of the midges.
- 1st target of the day. Looking up to the bealach
- Me at the Summit of Beinn Doran
Made good progress up to the Beinn Doran. Sadly it was uberclagged and I didnt get those great views of the A82.
Decision time. Do I continue or do I jump ship? Given that I am doing this bagging lark from London - not a cheap exercise, nae chance of ducking out.
Managed to choose a nice steep route off Meall Garbh which chewed up valuable time.
- Looking across to the steep sides of Beinn nam Fuaran
- Contouring beside the lovely Allt a Coire Ghathalach
- Looking down the valley to Allt a Chuirn
- Obligatory selfie at the summit of Ben Mhanach
Just as I contoured around the bottom of the steep Beinn a Chuirn the drizzle started.
The route up to Ben Mhanach felt like a chore. A lot of up and down.
Took me a while to descend and ascend up to Meall Bhuide. Was glad to reach the bealach and time for some ridge walking. Made good time to Beinn a Chreachain. On return I decided to follow the sheep track below Meall Bhuide, thinking it was a by-pass, but this ends suddenly. Not recommended.
- Summit of Beinn a Chreachain. Still no views!
By the time I got to the ascent of Beinn Achaladair I was soaked thru and both my phone and Satmap GPS were not playing ball. In fact my GPS had died.
- The start of the ascent/scramble up to Beinn Achaladair
Didnt hang around on Beinn Achaladair. I was feeling pretty whacked on the ascent of Beinn an Dothaidh. Thankfully the 2 summit cairns came quickly and my compass came in handy getting me back to the bealach.
The waterfalls coming down Beinn Doran were by now in full force/impressive and the path way down from Coire an Dothaidh had changed in character in just a matter of hours into a real bog.
Boy, was I grateful to get to the car and a change of clothes. As I was changing the train pulled in. I think they got a bit more than they bargained for as I hastedly attempted to get dressed.
By all accounts I will need to revisit Beinn an Dothaidh and Beinn Achaladair again sometime when this bagging lark is over to get the views!