The Beinn Eighe Dozen (a tale told in brackets)

[tomyboy73]

So our first night at a WH meet (when I write our or we like this I mean me & Jim, we`re not a couple or anything, i just write the reports , he takes the photos) and we`d settled in nicely after our first walk up Fionn Beinn with Tinman (Geoff). We had some dinner and got round to socialising in the hope that we could join up with some fellow walkhighlanders on a walk the next day that would help us bag some more Munros.( a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3000 feet) Having never been to this land of the giants before, we were pretty clueless as to what hills to do and with not the greatest weather forecast we didn`t want to head anywhere too exposed. Of course , we`d read up on the area and the hills around but without any great research or any maps with us we were looking for a helping hand.
We were joined for dinner with an old bird who kinda latched onto us right away, Callandergirl (Lynne). She was a bit of a pest but she did nominate Beinn Eighe (which consits of Ruadh-stac Mòr ('Big Red Stack' in Scottish Gaelic) is on one of the spurs off the main ridge and stands at a height of 1,010 m (3,314 ft). The second Munro, Spidean Coire nan Clach ('Peak of the Corrie of Stones') It stands at a height of 993 m (3,258 ft).) as a hill to do the next day. (Some people insisted on calling it Bennay, but I just let them get on with it)
She even had a route she had made at home by photocopying some maps and sticking them together with sellotape ! (other brands of sticky tape are available) Brilliant, then she brought out a magazine with the route and some pictures in it ! (I`d never been more prepared for a walk in my life.)
Other people around the table where asking where we were going and soon joined in. I think Tinman was next, obviously having enjoyed our company so much earlier in the day he wanted to come out with us again, (either that it was the bottle of red he`d polished off which made him more or less care free and just agreed with the first thing thrown at him). He also had a proper map, so at least if he didn`t come we could steal it off him. We were also joined at the table by another crackpot, MichelleHamilton (Michelle) (funnily enough) who couldn`t make up her mind whether to come or not but carried a portable library of maps and books with her so we had to do our best to rope her in. As we carried on through the night drinking more beer and whatever else people could get their lips on, more joined our merry( well, slightly p1ssed) gang. Borderhugh (Hugh) was next but would only join us if he could manage to fully extend his pole.(The girls had more than a few suggestions how he could do this and he played with it for a good couple of hours before finally getting it out).
As more people joined the same questions kept coming up. "Clockwise or anti-clockwise" "What time are we starting" "What`s the weather to be like" Maps were scoured, guides were read, I just stared into my beer.
Joey (Joanne) sat at the table and was quite happy to join us too, then after some discussions Fi & Scoob and Gill & Tomsie intimated that they might join us in the morning. (These four don`t get names in brackets because I look on them as Walkhighlands celebrities.)
Our final recruit was to be the fine bearded young man from Arbroath Aiden.(No brackets either, I just know him as Aiden) I say fine bearded young man becasue he is both a fine young man with a fine beard.
We settled that it would be clockwise, because (A) I kept pushing for it and (B) I kept pushing for it, that we would start off at 8am which Jim found hilarious as he thought i`d never be up at that time in the morning(he then went on to tell everyone how I was always last out the door on the WHW every morning, never knew it was an issue Jim ) and the weather would be great, well, because we were all great.
The biggest talking point now focused on the "fact" that I wouldn`t be up at that time in the morning and Jim and Lynne pounded me for the rest of the night about my tardiness (Look it up in a dictionary).

So....the morning after the night before and I find myself standing, all alone in the car park. (At this point dear reader you must think that I`ve slept in and they`ve left me behind) But no, I stood there waiting for them all to come outside and start piling into the various cars that would take us to the starting point of the walk.( I won`t mention the name of the person who kept us late Mich..)
We took the short drive along the glorious Glenn Torridon road and I gaped at the monstrous tiered walls of the mighty Liathach (Thinking, who am I going to persuade to take me up that one?) before arriving at the car park.

The troops get ready with Liathach behind

There was a wee bit of drizzle in the air but it wasn`t too bad and we all set off in single file along the track.( I swear I heard someone sing...Hi-Ho....)
It was a march straight from the off, with Hugh leading the charge. Joey was directly in front of me until a couple of hundred yards into the walk when she stepped off the path and about turned back down the hill. (I hadn`t even gave her any of my sh1te patter yet and she was off!)
I walked on a bit not really thinking anything of it, until some of the guys behind me mentioned that she was feeling unwell. We stopped for a bit to watch her go back down the path, where she seemed to stop for a bit and started bowing ceremoniously like, before continuing her way back.

We all set off with Beinn Eighe ahead

So our clockwise route took us around the side of Liathach, 300m up into Coire Dubh Mor and by now jackets, jumpers and hats were being disgarded by most of us already.

Michelle and Jim

We were right in the heart of these great mountains now as the two giants flanked us on either side. We reached the stepping stones across the river, but it wasn`t deep or fast flowing and was a bit of fun bounding over them. Lynne was one of the first over and had the camera out in case anyone fell in. But we all negotiated it succesfully and carried on.

Stepping stones

The path carries on around the south west side of Beinn Eighe, passing some little lochans and with views of great looking Torrodon corbetts and of course Liathach shifting in and out of the wispy clouds.

lochans and hills

Liathach

It took us about two hours to get to the water falls at the north side of Sail Mor that come from the lochan in Coire Mhic Fhearchair and we stopped here for our first break of the day. As picturesque a lunch spot you could find.

waterfall

waterfalls

After ten minutes or so sitting munching it got a bit cold and we all wrapped up again to carry on. And we were soon in Coire Mhic Fhearchair with the marvellous triple buttress ahead of us at the head of the lochan.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair

We all stood around taking pictures when Scoob shouted, "Golden Eagle", yes Gill, a golden one
We all frantically looked to the skies , because you know what it`s like when someone says Eagle, and it quickly disappears or turns out to be a buzzard or a raven.

Golden Eagle

Although this is the best picture we got between eleven of us we saw enough of it to believe it was one.
We then had to cross more stepping stones across the mouth of the lochan.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair

And walked along the path on the left hand side of the water.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair

I was at the tail end of the group and flaffed about while the others carried on except Fi & Scoob who left us to scale the rocky face on the west wall of the corrie to bag the Munro top, Sail Mhor. See those compleatists and their Munro tops.

triple buttress

Fi & Scoob scarper past some plane wreckage

looking back over the lochan

I followed the trail behind the others through craggy boulders past green lochans and over slidey slabs and even had the odd wee scramble. Upon seeing the much talked about scree ascent path up to the bealach, I tried to remember through the fog of alcohol some of the conversations about this from the night before. Up the scree or down the scree was debated over and over until someone said you can avoid the worst of the scree by going to the left of it. And sure enough, I could see a path further over to the left which would require clambering over some boulders at the bottom of it to access. This I could see led to a path cut out along the side of the rockface, meeting the scree chute about halfway up. I caught up with Aiden and pointed it out to him and as the other had gone from view I assumed they would go this way too. But, once we had climbed over a rocky outcrop we saw that the other had already begun the climb up the scree. Aiden decided to follow. Feck that, i thought and headed over to the other path.

Scree path in centre

I got to the boulders and started to bound across them, making my way up to the path fairly quickly. I could see the others struggle on the scree. Skiing uphill on marbles is what it looked like
I got up the path as fast as I could so that i was now looking down on them.(not in a snobbish way, I was higher up you understand)

Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I gave them a shout from above and I laughed as I watched their reaction. They all one by one made their way over to where I was. From here it was a case of sticking to the side and scrambling up the rock. It was perfect and I think I would much prefer to go up this way than down.

climbing #1

Geoff Climbing

Aiden taking a break

Michelle even gave us a rendition of the Grand Old Duke of York she was enjoying it so much

So I can hear you all, you`re not even up on the mountain yet and you`ve wrote all this drivel, can you take any more ?
So a 100m scramble and we`re now on the bealach and out in front of us is the magnificent site of Spidean Coire nan Clach and the rest. This is a beast of a mountain, a beauty of one too.

Spidean Coire nan Clach

Lynne at top of scramble

Unfortunately the view behind us wasn`t so great as a big grey cloud was coming in fast carrying with it lots of rain. It was good timing coming after we had all made it up before it started and we all got the waterproofs on and wrapped up against the elements. We`d had a good day so far so couldn`t complain about a bit of rain but you could see from the blue skies behind the cloud that wasn`t going to be on for long. We then headed up the hill towards our first Munro of the day.

Ruadh-stac Mor is in reach

It took us about twenty minutes from the bealach to summit. 1010 metres above sea level, the highest point on Beinn Eighe.

The gang on top

We quickly headed off,(after Geoff got his furry friend out of course) back down to carry on our grand adventure.
With most of the gang ahead of me I just looked around me as the cloud passed and showed more glimpses of blue sky and I had a warm feeling about me.(No, I hadn`t peed myself) I was just so happy and content with life at that moment. I thought about a conversation I had had with Jonathon (2manyYorkies) the night before. He had been on the Talisker and had got all philosophical about walking on the hills and expressed that sometimes on the hills that he got a feeling that nothing else really mattered. I thought about this as I ate my packet of mini berries. It wasn`t that nothing else mattered, but I was incredibly happy. And then the wind blew my empty packet out of my hand and I scampered over the hill after it like a cat chasing a crisp packet.(I think the moment was gone)
End of part one

[tomyboy73]

Part Two

back to B-lack

By the time we reached the bealach again it was already beginning to clear. And we happily set off up the other side. With a break in the weather some wanted to take a rest and take in the views but I thought I recognised conditions for a Brocken Spectre and carried on up the cairn at Coinneach Mhor (where we were later to hear that someone had left a momento of their time in the mile high club)
As I waited for the others the conditions weren`t quite right and nothing happened. Once the others where up we made our way to the second summit. The sun then came out and the clouds lay low below us and we got our brocken spectre.

Ruadh-stac Mor now basking in the sun

my brocken spectre

Jim on poseur`s point

along the ridge to Spidean Coire nan Clach

i`ve seen a good few spectre`s and I was surprised it was some of the other`s first, they were well pleased.
So we had the ridge line of our second Munro ahead of us, we`d seen a broken spectre, a golden eagle and Liathach sat brooding to the side of us a huge black shadow with rays of sun shining through it`s jagged tops. What a day.

Liathach

I stopped to take my waterproofs off whilst the others moved on. I again walked alone for a bit, taking the highest points of the ridge and I was absolutely loving it. I caught up with them just as we all climbed the last scramble up to the summit.

Spidean Coire nan Clach summit

The cloud and rain came in again just like on the last one and we opted to descend from here down a meandering scree path rather than climb back along the ridge to the cairn marked descent. It was probably a little trickier but it got us down quick.
All in ll it was a fantastic day with great company and I really enjoyed my time in Torridon, so thanks to everyone who made it so good.

And of course a link to Jim`s every trail for route info and more pictures.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=3246749

[kev_russ]

Braw report & pics Tommy. Just like your Twitter pics Need to get maself to a future meet. Looks like a guid laugh

[jogilv16]

this ,tommy is the best ever ,had me rolling....superb report,,,,thanks

[2manyYorkies]

Great report Tommy, quite the raconteur, eh?
Was glad to be able to contribute a bit of philosophy there, even if 'twas Talisker induced ...

[scoob999]

Nice one wish we'd came along all the way with the group
Was good meeting you all and was a pleasure having you all in the losing quiz team

[Tomsie]

Brilliant report Tommy.

Great walking with you again and meeting some new folk on this walk.

Now that you describe yourself and Jim as a team , is this ye putting yourselves forward as volunteers as organizers for the summer meet. ( )

[Mal Grey]

Most enjoyable report, thanks for capturing some of the essence of what must have been a fun weekend!

[Borderhugh]

Nice one Tommy. It was good to meet you. I didnt enjoy that scree one bit!

[dogplodder]

Enjoyable detailed report bringing back memories of the stone chute which I came down but think I'd have rather gone up as you did.

[tomyboy73]

Braw report & pics Tommy. Just like your Twitter pics Need to get maself to a future meet. Looks like a guid laugh

Cheers Kev, yeah you should get yourself to one, great weekend

this ,tommy is the best ever ,had me rolling....superb report,,,,thanks

Couldn`t do it without you Jim !

Great report Tommy, quite the raconteur, eh?
Was glad to be able to contribute a bit of philosophy there, even if 'twas Talisker induced ...

Raconteur ? Moi ? I quite like that

Nice one wish we'd came along all the way with the group
Was good meeting you all and was a pleasure having you all in the losing quiz team

Great to meet you to Scoob, let`s lose it again next time

Brilliant report Tommy.

Great walking with you again and meeting some new folk on this walk.

Now that you describe yourself and Jim as a team , is this ye putting yourselves forward as volunteers as organizers for the summer meet. ( )

Steady on Tomsie we`re not that deep in yet, and thanks again for organising a great meet

Most enjoyable report, thanks for capturing some of the essence of what must have been a fun weekend!

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

Nice one Tommy. It was good to meet you. I didnt enjoy that scree one bit!

Cheers Hugh, good to meet you too. I have a hazy memory of meeting you early in the morning in the boot room before you left. No idea what I was doing there See you next time

Enjoyable detailed report bringing back memories of the stone chute which I came down but think I'd have rather gone up as you did.

Thanks, the scrambling up the side of it hepled a lot

[AnnieMacD]

That was a laugh! Looks like you all had a great time and saw some wonderful things.

I think that way round is probably the best although I went down the right side (the way you went up) and I didn't find it bad at all - like a bit of an uneven staircase! The first bit of the descent from SCnC is horrible whichever way you go I believe.

[Silverhill]

That sounds like you all had tremendous fun!
I’m glad the weather held out for you.

[Tinman]

My mistake but have only just got around to reading your very enjoyable and humorous report of a superb day albeit, for me at least, the hangover (not just one bottle of red) was raging throughout the walk.

The pictures you and Jim also sent to me of both this walk and of Fionn Bheinn were much appreciated.

Keep up the good work.

Tinman

[tomyboy73]

My mistake but have only just got around to reading your very enjoyable and humorous report of a superb day albeit, for me at least, the hangover (not just one bottle of red) was raging throughout the walk.

The pictures you and Jim also sent to me of both this walk and of Fionn Bheinn were much appreciated.

Keep up the good work.

Tinman

No worries, thought you were a bit quiet that day great to hear from you again, all the best for 2016