walkhighlands

Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.

Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest


Postby Mountainlove » Wed Aug 26, 2015 3:36 pm

Route description: Tom a' Chòinich & Toll Creagach, Glen Affric

Munros included on this walk: An Riabhachan, An Socach (Mullardoch), Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Càrn Eige), Càrn Eige, Càrn nan Gobhar (Loch Mullardoch), Màm Sodhail, Sgùrr na Lapaich, Toll Creagach, Tom a' Chòinich

Date walked: 17/08/2015

Time taken: 23 hours

Distance: 42.8 km

Ascent: 3782m

26 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Image



our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts



The Mullardoch Munros ...never had I so much trouble deciding how to tackle these Munros. What I knew that I did not fancy them over 3 days, but completing all 12 in 2 (or even 1 day gulp) wasn't an option either. I must have had at least 3 different route planned in the past, but due to different factors never managed it.
It all changed when I swam across Loch Quoich and started to look at lochs in a slight different way :D
It was clear from looking at the loch that there is a short way across it. So what about combining a round with a swim? Oh I liked the idea! :D Doing some online research I learned that Loch Mullardoch used to be 2 separate lochs and that the crossing I was looking at used to be part of a burn which connected the two lochs, until the construction of the dam started and the area was flooded.

Old map Loch Mullardoch.jpg

The old map which show the 2 lochs

Planning my route I realized that my swim would not really save time, but at least it would add some adventure. :thumbup:
Not fancying a 20 kilo backpack by taking my wetsuit and lilo, I knew both had to stay home, but this would leave me with no floating device. :think: Checking the distance on the map it was a short 180m.
My head was racing until I thought about my Therm a Rest! 8) :lol: Hardly a lilo, but surely it would float and carry my backpack?
Speaking to my dad on the phone, he thought I was mad, but happily told me that back in his army days he used to hold on to a log to cross water, with his gear stuffed in a waterproof canvas sheet. Explaining that finding a log big enough seemed less possible that giving my Therm a Rest a try, he agreed. So all I needed was a bikini and a combination of dry and bin bags to get my gear over the loch.

On Sunday late morning I made my way towards Cannich. Stopping at The Green Welly I met Bod and Val who were on their return trip from their Completion Weekend. :clap: Its always nice to meet other Walkhighlanders and I stopped for a wee chat. Setting off I continued up north and by the time I arrived I set up camp at the great camping and caravan park in Cannich.

The evening passed quickly and before I knew it was time to start my round during the next morning.
Leaving my car at the small car park, I walked towards the left hand site of the dam and walking up a path marked private I soon realized that it was the wrong way- great start! :? :roll: Not bothering to return I walked through thick heather in order to find a path. 15min into the walk I got lucky when I reached a boggy track which lead me alongside the burn and through the lovely forest.
It wasn't like the path I had expected and once I was out of the trees the path frizzled out pretty quickly. Keeping to the left hand site of the burn, I continued up the heathery/grassy hill site.
Covering distance, but not height I was getting fed up and decided to head up in a direct line towards my right. It was steeper than I had thought, but at least I was on my way up :D Once I reached the bealach between Creag a Bhaca and Toll Creagach a faith path continued all the way up Toll Creagach the first Munro of the day.

Image
The start of the walk (trying to find a path)

Image
Across the loch

Image
The boggy path

Image
Out of the trees looking back down

Image
Time to find some kind of path

Image
Looking back towards the loch on my climb up towards the first Munro

Image
Toll Creagach summit

Once I reached the cairn I only stopped for some photos and walked towards Tom a Choinich Munro No 2. There were quite a few people and having a chat with an energetic chap of 62, he told me that he swapped scuba diving for hill walking 5 years ago and like most of us had gotten the hill walking bug. Continuing everyone seemed to be in a good mood and when I reached second Munro I had some well-earned lunch before it was time to continuing towards Carn Eige.

The ridge in front of me seemed endless and to make out the next Munro was impossible.
On the scramble up Sron Garbh I met a young foreign couple who seemed knackered and wanted to know if it was possible to head straight back down the hill. Checking the hill site I told them it was, but that they had to expect rough ground until they reached the path again. Saying my good byes I watched them on their decent before moving along myself. As tiring the constant up and down with a heavy backpack was, the views were amazing and I had to stop and stare many times. These where the Mullardoch views I had imagined.
Finlly Carn Eige appeared in the distance like a junction wedged between Mam Sodhail and Beinn Fhionnlaidh.

Image
Me on Tom a Choinich Munro No 2

Image
The endless up and down can begin

Image
Views back towards Tom a Choinich and Toll Creagach

Image
Carn Eige in the mist

Image
Getting closer

Image
Lovely views

Image
Loved this part

Image

Image

Once I reached Carn Eige, Mam Sodhail seemed really close in comparison to the endless ridge I just had covered. Dumping my backpack next to the path, half way down the mountain I climbed towards the summit. It was bliss! The cairn at the top of Mam Sodhail is enormous and only my curious nature made me climb it and realise that there is a percept square shelter right inside it. Not lingering long I walked back and scoobed around the left hand site of Carn Eige. It was steep, but at least if saved me the second climb to the summit. Climbing over some big boulder fields I was glad when I finally met the path again and saw Beinn Fhionnlaidh looming ahead. A lot farther away than the previous Munro, but at least it would be the last mountain for the day.

Image
Carn Eige summit

Image
A short distance towards Mam Sodhail

Image
Mam Sodhail I was surprised to see so much snow

Image
Looking back towards Carn Eige and the ridge to the right and Beinn Fhionnlaidh in the distance towards the left

Image
The cairn on Mam Sodhail

Image
Only by climbing to the top you will see the inside

Image
From the cairn looking back. It is possible to keep to the left hand site of the mountain to avoid the top when you climb towards Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Image
Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Image
Distance shot

I was feeling really thirsty, as my water supply was long gone and I had had no chance to fill my bottles up. Looking at all the lochs below was taunting, but knowing there would be a lovely stream of cold water at the end was the saving grace. I reached the conical summit of Beinn Fhionnlaidh and the views down towards Loch Mullardoch were amazing. From the top a natural ridge went down the right hand site of the mountain which I followed. The decent on the grassy slope was pretty steep in places and required the use of my hands to hold on to bushels of grass. Scanning the ground for berries or water I had no luck and sticking my tongue out in the wind made me (apart from looking completely stupid) at least develop some saliva which helped with the thirst haha.
Finally I reached a set of lovely waterfalls. The first half a litre went down in one go and water had certainly never tasted better. Drinking some more water I looked around and had to say the combination of waterfalls were stunning! The loch was still some distance away, but at least I was feeling better.

Image
Beinn Fhionnlaidh cairn

Image
And more importantly at this stage the walk down and the easy crossing far below

Image
The walk at the start was easy

Image
The Waterfalls

Image
More waterfalls and top of Beinn Fhionnlaidh

Image
At the waters edge

11 hours after setting of I reached the loch much to the delight of millions of midges. Slapping on some midge repellent, I looked at the distance I would have to swim. Much to my delight it was far shorter than the map had indicated and I started putting my gear in a combination of dry bags and black bin bags and blew up my Therm a rest. Getting changed, my clothes, boots and walking poles were the last things to get packed which left quite a substantial amount of bags.Putting my Therm a Rest on the edge of the waters, I started to load my bags on it , thinking that I really should have tried it beforehand. Once everything was loaded on the mat I gently I pushed it into the water and held my breath- it floated yeah!

Image
Packing my gear and putting my Therm a Rest into a new use

Image
Ready to go

Image
Perfect time for a swim

By the time I was standing in my bikini on the muddy shore the sun was setting and covered the sky and the water into a lovely pink. What an amazing time for a swim I thought. Pushing my Therm a Rest gently further into the water I stepped into the freezing cold water. Once I was waist deep inside, I let out a scream and went under. Ught Ahhh, Bloody hell :-| :shock: :silent: it was cold and with the sudden movement I had pushed a wave of water over my gear. I would have to be more careful! There was no time to hang around and with long strokes I started the swim. Holding onto the mat was no option as it soaked my gear, so I used my head to push the mat in front of me. It worked and with all sorts of sounds due to the freezing water I swam across to the other shore. :thumbup:

Stepping out of the water I had originally planned to walk further, but was too knackered. Unpacking my gear I decided to stay and digging out my soap I went back to the loch to have a wash :-) Clean and dried up I put my jammies on and set up my tent and got settled for the night ahead.

Image
On the other side

Image
The short distance covered

Image
Time to say good night


I woke up during a beautiful morning and was eagerly awaited by clouds of midges. Getting dressed in my tiny tent is always a struggle, but it was better than getting attacked by the midges outside.
Once dressed and packed a light breeze started which gave me the chance to eat breakfast in piece. While I tried to walk I realized that I got a set of blisters underneath my feed, thanks to not having worn my boots in 6 months. :roll: Swallowing some pain killers I set off, past the old ruin of Am Mam and up the grassy slopes. Tired and sore the climb up towards the first Munro was a struggle and took forever. But once I reached the cairn, the views towards Skye and Torridon let me forget all the struggles- simply amazing and possible even better than the previous day.

Image
A calm morning (100000 midges liked that)

Image
Home for the previous night

Image
Amazing trees (or whats left over)

Image
Beinn Fhionnlaidh across Loch Mullardoch

Image
The ruin at Am Mam

Image
Looking back

Image
The Cullin ridge in the distance

Image
Some pretty rough ground further below

Image
Lovely views

Image
An Socach summit ridge

Image
myself

Image
Views towards the far west

Image
The Hebrides in the far distance

Once upon the ridge the walk towards An Riabhachan was long , but far more enjoyable than I had imagined. Probably due to the lovely views which ' forced' me to stop and stare in more than one occasion.
Close to the second Munro I had once more finished my water supplies and not wanting to get as dehydrated as the previous day I looked for some water. My eyes fell upon a tiny lochan and climbing down towards it I noticed a lot of deer hoof prints around it.. While I filled up my bottle, I tried hard not to think about how many deer must have peed in the puddle, or how many larvae of god know what were in the water. Yuck! :-| :shifty: :sick: Just as well I carry water purification tablets. Popping a tablet in the bottle I made sure that I waited double the amount needed and added some fruit squash to mask the taste.
Regardless how I tried to like the end result, it was discussing, but at least I had something to drink!

Image
The Culin ridge again

Image
The walk ahead

Image
Looking back

Image
The ridge and looking for water

Image
The tiny lochan (in the middle of picture) was my water supply

Image
Looking back again

Image
Not the summit yet

Image
An Riabhachan summit

Image
The Torridon beauties


Image
Loch Monar


Moving on I met the first hill walker of the day. Sitting down for a chat he told me that he aimed to complete the round in 2 days, which would leave him only 1 Munro left before he completed his first round.
(If you read this I hope you managed it!) The distance between An Riabhachan and Sgurr na Lapaich is yet again much shorter, as you will lose quite some height before the climb towards the summit. Walking the last few hundred yards towards the summit I noticed a strong animal smell which reminded me of deer. Keeping an eye out for any deer I certainly did not expect what I saw when I approached the summit of Sgurr na Lapaich. A large herd of feral goats! Now that was cool! Snapping away some photos, I walked closer, but unfortunately the deer started to walk away. Anyways it was a first and I loved the pictures of the goats against the mountain backdrop!
Sitting down at the cairn my body was feeling the pain of the previous two days and trying to stretch as well as I could I suddenly heard footsteps approaching. Looking up it was person I had met the previous day and who told me that he planned to drive around the other site to camp and complete some more Munros during the next couple of days.

Image
An Riabhachan and the steep drop between the mountains

Image
Sgurr na Lapaich cairn with some feral goats

Image
Feral Goats

Image
There should be goats up each hill!

Image

Image
The herd moving along

Image
Views from the summit of Sgurr na Lapaich

I had been looking out for him and sitting down next to me we shared mountain stories until I realised that I better move on, if I wanted to get back before darkness. I left with some tips on how to get down Sgurr na Lapaich. It was a rather steep descent, but I managed to find the path which stayed away from the rocks.
Once down at the bealach it was a half an hour walk up to the final Munro of the day. Proud that I completed my round I stood for a while but time pressed me on. With all my breaks I had already taken so much longer than I has planned.

Image
Carn nan Gobhar

Image
Looking back from the bealach

Image
The rocky summit of Carn nan Gobhar

During the walk down the endless slope I finally came across some ripe Cloudberries. Something I had wanted to try and sample for a while. Crossing one of the bridges next to the burn, a boggy path continued for the last 3 km until I reached my car again.

Image
Cloudberry

Image
The rough walk back

Image
The end is in sight
User avatar
Mountainlove
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1346
Munros:88   Corbetts:54
Fionas:7   Donalds:10
Sub 2000:3   
Islands:10
Joined: Feb 2, 2010
Location: North Ayrshire

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby ceaser » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:09 pm

well done , a brilliant way to tackle the round and some quality pictures :clap:
ceaser
Walker
 
Posts: 407
Munros:90   Corbetts:51
Fionas:6   Donalds:2
Sub 2000:5   Hewitts:1
Wainwrights:1   Islands:8
Joined: Apr 18, 2012
Location: dunfermline

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby dooterbang » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:25 pm

Astonishingly bonkers, but brilliant :lol:

Looking at the map confirmed swimming across the loch gained no distance, but what a way to add somerhing different to a walk. You must have felt energised, or at least fresh, after the swim. I was actually thinking about your Loch Quoich swim when I was in Grunaird Bay the other day and went for a swim, although mines was more Baywatch compared to yours.

Great stuff, highy entertaining as usual :clap:
User avatar
dooterbang
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1828
Munros:262   Corbetts:58
Fionas:18   Donalds:10
Sub 2000:10   Hewitts:18
Wainwrights:21   Islands:19
Joined: Oct 27, 2009
Location: Isle of Skye from Feb 2019 (Originally Glasgow)

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby scoob999 » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:27 pm

If Carlsberg done nutters :shock: :lol:
Absolutely brilliant :clap: :clap: :clap:
User avatar
scoob999
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 1708
Munros:143   Corbetts:222
Fionas:151   Donalds:89+52
Sub 2000:145   Hewitts:27
Wainwrights:7   Islands:22
Joined: Aug 8, 2011
Location: Birnam/Dunkeld. i think?

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby dogplodder » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:33 pm

Another amazing adventure - and great shots of goats! Could you smell them? :D
User avatar
dogplodder
 
Posts: 4238
Munros:242   Corbetts:74
Fionas:25   
Sub 2000:32   Hewitts:4
Wainwrights:9   Islands:24
Joined: Jul 16, 2011

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby The Rodmiester » Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:39 pm

Amazing :clap: :clap: :clap:
User avatar
The Rodmiester
Walker
 
Posts: 3396
Munros:107   Corbetts:196
Fionas:45   Donalds:13
Sub 2000:76   Hewitts:3
Wainwrights:1   Islands:17
Joined: Aug 15, 2012
Location: Newbigging

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby Lmitch » Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:11 pm

Brilliant. Loved the report and photos...what is your next plan? :clap:
Lmitch
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 42
Joined: May 10, 2014

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby mgmt! » Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:26 pm

nice one mountainlove, always so much cooler than the normal routes 8) 8) 8)
mgmt!
Mountaineer
 
Posts: 540
Joined: Oct 18, 2010

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby dunrig » Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:58 pm

You are brave water in lochs is so cold
dunrig
 
Posts: 164
Joined: Jan 5, 2012

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby Tomsie » Wed Aug 26, 2015 6:04 pm

Super, great adventure :clap: :clap:
User avatar
Tomsie
Walker
 
Posts: 1165
Munros:166   Corbetts:71
Fionas:38   Donalds:36
Sub 2000:21   Hewitts:5
Wainwrights:1   Islands:8
Joined: Jan 8, 2011

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby Scotjamie » Wed Aug 26, 2015 8:23 pm

Great report Maja and superb pictures - wonder if anyone has ever won TR of the month twice in a row!
User avatar
Scotjamie
Wanderer
 
Posts: 1170
Munros:148   
Joined: Jul 27, 2009
Location: north berwick

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby hopper68 » Wed Aug 26, 2015 9:03 pm

Wow, crackin report and cracking pictures... Fantastic stuff...well done :clap: :clap:
hopper68
Munro compleatist
 
Posts: 62
Munros:199   Corbetts:34
Fionas:17   Donalds:28
Sub 2000:9   Hewitts:8
Wainwrights:13   Islands:11
Joined: Oct 25, 2014
Location: Hamilton

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby litljortindan » Wed Aug 26, 2015 9:56 pm

Great views.
User avatar
litljortindan
Ambler
 
Posts: 2377
Munros:153   Corbetts:67
Fionas:29   Donalds:1
Sub 2000:47   Hewitts:12
Wainwrights:10   
Joined: Dec 11, 2011

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby Collaciotach » Wed Aug 26, 2015 10:18 pm

Your a nugget :lol:

ach s' math a rinn thu .... but well done :clap: :clap: :clap:

I had issues with water on this round but managed to squeeze by without lochan's :D
User avatar
Collaciotach
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 1896
Munros:282   Corbetts:219
Fionas:47   Donalds:10
Sub 2000:25   
Islands:28
Joined: Aug 8, 2011
Location: Gàidhealtachd an Iar

Re: Mullardoch- a round of 9 and crossing on a Therm a Rest

Postby goth_angel » Wed Aug 26, 2015 10:50 pm

Bonkers but impressive nonetheless. So what watery adventure is next?
User avatar
goth_angel
 
Posts: 350
Munros:101   Corbetts:9
Fionas:4   Donalds:1
Sub 2000:13   Hewitts:84
Wainwrights:179   
Joined: May 13, 2008
Location: Too far awav from Scotland (Kent)

26 people think this report is great.
Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Next



Can you help support Walkhighlands?


Our forum is free from adverts - your generosity keeps it running.
Can you help support Walkhighlands and this community by donating by direct debit?



Return to Walk reports - Scotland

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: cambflatlander, desmondo1, dougiebroon, malky_c and 74 guests