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Time for another train trip to Corrour, with Big Jesper, after our last musical outing to Beinn na Lap, when we were entertained by the fine music from Manran, on the return trip to Tyndrum. Weather wasn't great, but not too bad, either. Time might just be a bit tight for catching the train back. Had a short debate with the train conductress, as to Corr -oor, or -our? Short, because she told us it is "our" and wasn't for further discussion
Anyway, off we got and headed off at a good pace, following the WH's route, as described, past the youth hostel.
- Loch Ossian Youth Hostel.
- Toward the hostel.
- East along Loch Ossian, to the Bealach Dubh.
- Loch Ossian, fine cloud colours .... and Jaf.
Having turned off the track at Peter's Rock, the going gets tougher, as there is little path, over the grassy terrain. Having reached the ridge, there is a bit better path here and there, gradually working round to the top of Carn Dearg, which was shrouded in cloud and none too spectacular looking, aside from the fine cairn.
- Jasper, approaching first summit, Carn Dearg.
- BJ. Carn Dearg.
- Claggy Carn Dearg ...... and me
- Quick glimpse over to Sgor Gaibhre. Perhaps, just about able to see path up?
From there we got an fleeting glimpse of Sgor Gaibhre through the fog, but it was a bit wet and windy, so we didn't linger long. There's a few bits of path coming off the top, so perhaps just a wee bit care needed with route finding at first. A wee bit boggy down at the bealach, where we spotted a dutch couple, who had made their way up from Rannoch. Glad it was them and not us
Wasn't hard finding the well defined track and blasting our way up to the summit. The clag had lifted a bit, giving us partial views of other nearby tops, as well as another group heading round in the opposite direction, one of whom was a mere infant, snuggly tucked into his rucksack. Awhhhh
- Spot the youngest to summit today.
- Drop off Sgor Gaibhre, down to the bealach and over to Sgor Choinnich.
- Moi, Sgor Gaibhre.
- Dutch couple coming off SG.
- Looking back up SG, from the bealach.
As described, there is a steep drop on the east side. Not the place to be scanning the horizon, when making for your descent. Didn't take long to make it down to the Bealach nan Sgor, where we chose to traverse round the side of Sgor Choinnich rather than take in the top. Lazy bounders! Coming off Meall Nathrach, we opted to head west over rough ground to meet where the Allt a' Choire Chreagaich emerges from the forest, rather than work our way round the back of the shooting lodge. From here there is a track to join the road back along Loch Ossian. I reckon this probably saved some time, maybe 10 mins, but of course, deprives one of a closer nosey at the neighbours
- Jaf, begining descent back down to Loch Ossian. Beinn na Lap, behind.
- Beinn na Lap and more distant, eastern Mamores in cloud.
- Looking down on the hunting lodge.
- Nice one, almost :)
It's a bit of a drag, walking back, though you might be taken with some of the nice rhoddies, which were in flower. Still keeping an eye on the clock, we began to relax, being sure we would make the return train, no bother, taking us six hours, all in. We would have had time for a wee meal at the station, but chose to make do with a refreshing drink instead. As luck would have it, our wee wait for the train, began to stretch to a big wait. We could have got ourselves well lubricated, by the time it chugged into sight, about 40 minutes late. I don't think the foreigners waiting, were too impressed by the efficiency of our rail service, though seemed a bit tickled by the excuse ..... "we were held up by a broken down steam train!"
- Late!
- The Station House.
Alas, there was to be no musical accompaniment on our way back, but we were well content to have another couple in the bag!
