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This was day 2 and my final day teaming up with Martin and Denise, being really good eggs they were even doing their first repeat hill
The plan was for me to pitch up at their nice little cottage in Kinlochewe at 8.30 and then take both cars to the start point, I would then head home and they would return to Kinlochewe
Great plan and it worked a treat, we were soon on our way, however we got held up on the A832 by road works, quite a large work force were building/repairing a wall at the road side. Both sets of traffic lights were on red for about 20 minutes while the workers manouvred tractors and diggers, this resulted in an enormous queue of about 20 vehicles being inconvenienced
Anyone who has driven along this superb road will know it is not exactly busy
We arrived at the start point in Achnashellach and set off at 9.30am, yet again the midges were queueing up to greet us and expecting to have their breakfast
After a rapid kitting up we were off, the plan was to follow the WH route up to Beinn Liath Mhor and then head across to Sgorr Ruadh.
Small parking area
Martin showing the way, not sure what Denise is/was doing
Looking back, note the low cloud
Just appearing above the cloud
The paths just about all day were excellent, that is until we lost it, more of that later
The path takes you across the railway line and through a forested area and then we reach a monster cairn which gives you the option of heading uphill or walking into Coire Lair, which would be the way back to the cars later.
At the first stop I took out my Avon anti midge spray and we all had a wee squirt, I was surprised as this one was oily, the one I have in the car is old stuff and that is a cream. Both versions seemed to work as I only have one bite & that is on my tummy - how I got bitten there, I have no idea
After the path splits the angle of ascent increases considerably and as we were in cloud the views were non existent, like the day before there was no wind so stopping was kept to a minimum - none of us are midgie fans and never will be, sorry if any midges are reading this
Just before we reached the the first flatter section we came out of the cloud and like yesterday on Liathach we had another inversion. Fluffy cotton wool cloud had been flattened out just below the summits, probably about 2500ft. As soon as we realised it was our lucky day again we had to stop and start getting busy with the camera's
Martin leading the way, Fuar Tholl peeking out
Looking south
Martin & Denise trudging uphill
Fuar Tholl again
Holes starting to appear in the cotton wool
As we were ascending, the sun was starting to take charge and burning holes in the cloud, unfortunately we weren't quick enough to reach the top of the ridge, by the time we could see views to the north, the cloud had disappeared
Oh well we can't have everything, inversions 2 days on the trot is something us walkers dream of
We just had to make do with the fabulous clear views to the north
Action shot on the ascent, cloud disappearing rapidly
Still looking south
Fuar Tholl looking very impressive
Looking west nice little lochan
Lochan zoomed
View north
Spoiling another great backdrop, thanks Martin
Looking back
Once we reached the higher ground as usual the views were amazing and we knew that was the worst over with. The problem we would have is the sun, yes I know it's not very often we complain about it, but I am British & not used to seeing it for several hours. Like dafties we didn't have any sun screen with us, well that's not strictly true, I had some but it was in the car
So to walk 2 days running with just a base layer is almost unheard of, especially this summer
Whilst we were walking across to the summit of Beinn Leith Mhor I asked Martin and Denise if we would see anyone else and no sooner had I finished speaking and we met a female walking in the opposite direction, accompanied by her young spaniel
Super water feature
Action shot looking back
A spot of scrambling down
Continued from above
Next
Denise's turn
Arty shot
Looking down on Coire Lair
Looking back
It was quite a trek but we finally reached the summit of Beinn Liath Mhor alot of effort and all Martin and Denise got was a repeat, I know they secretly enjoyed the special views we were treated to
Martin and Denise knew what to expect on the descent and had me forewarned
The initial part of the descent was over the usual bouldery stuff, the photo's later will hopefully demonstrate the scrambly bits.
Do views get any better? Looking across to Liathach, Alligin etc
Thanks Martin
Looking NE
Lochan zoomed
Looking out to sea, Alligin just muscling in on the right
Looking down into Coire Lair
Boat heading out, zoomed
Going down
Alot steeper than it looks
We came down that
Once we got down to the bealach area, we followed the path but missed the turn off to the left but realised after about 100yds when we confronted by an overhanging steep looking rock face
So after consulting my phone we turned round and picked up the faint path which improved as we gained height
Whilst we were ascending Sgorr Ruadh we were caught up by a lone walker and took the opportunity to stop. After what seemed like quite a long stop we established the Jack was on a mission and his mission was to compleat all the Munro's this summer and Sgorr Ruadh would be his 205th. Here is a link to his website and good luck Jack, was a pleasure to meet you
http://www.hcavfoundation.org/jack-campbell-munro-hunter/ Hope the plug is OK?
Action shot
Still going up
Next we were on the summit of Sgorr Ruadh, Martin and Denise's first new Munro and number 225 for me
Like yesterday the views were awesome and we had to force ourselves to move and start the trek back to the cars.
The view out to sea from the summit
The way down, with Fuar Tholl dominating
We could see the path in the distance we would be aiming for, little did we know it would be quite a challenge to actually find it. We set off downhill and reached a large bealach area that had lots of tempting little lochans.
Jack galloping off into the distance, he was contemplating dropping down and then up the other side to go up Maol Chean-dearg
Bealach area, with some lovely little lochans
Coire Lair in the background
After a bit of criss-crossing and faffing about on the bealach we picked a point and headed off in that direction, knowing that sooner or later it would intercept the path we were aiming for
The plan worked a treat and before we knew it we were on the path that was in Martin's words - "a motorway", it certainly made the walk back to the car so much easier and we made excellent progress. There was a burn to cross, but it didn't present a problem, after a spot or two of rain it could well be challenging
Looking back up Coire Lair, Beinn Liath Mhor on the right
After reaching the junction where the path splits we knew it was going to be easy for the rest of the descent and in no time we were back at the car park. The midges were waiting for us but not in the usual swarms
It was time to say our goodbyes, I have had 2 fantastic days in amazing weather and company, like yesterday a massive thank you to Martin and Denise. If anyone doubts the 'meeting up' thread section of WH, I can guarantee that if you want company when you head out just post - you will certainly get a response and probably some company and if you are really unlucky it could be me
Next - well I don't really know yet, I have a week overseas with Mrs F before I can start planning again