Walkhighlands

Catching up with previous walks takes me back to our trip round the Monadhliath trio of Carn Dearg, Carn Sgulain & A'Chailleach. Perhaps, it says something of the hills, that it has taken a while to get round to it

After debate, chose to head up to Newtonmore via the A9, rather than via Fort William. Got a bit disorientated, but eventually found road to Glen Banchor. One other guy starting at same time, but he headed off north, on anti-clockwise route. We were passed by a couple of stalkers, who quizzed us on our route, but indicated they had no problems, as long as we kept out the cross-hairs Quite a long walk, before heading round into Gleann Ballach, where it gets a bit boggy, with loads of peat hags. Eventually we came upon the stalkers again and had a friendly word or, two before moving on. Obviously must have stayed out their sight's

Heading up Gleann Ballach, Big Jasper kept closer to the Allt Ballach, whereas I kept more to the eastern side of the glen, as described in WH's. We quite often go our own ways, here and there. Certainly didn't seem to impede Jasper's progress, as I struggled to keep abreast, on the higher ground, as the crags of Carn Dearg, began to loom large above us. I think the charge up the glen had taken its toll as we headed up the steep rise to the summit, with Charles striding ahead effortlessly, leaving me in his wake. He likes to show who's boss now and again!

Eventually caught up by the time he'd began to chill, having waited so long for me at the impressive summit. Not the place to wander with your head in the clouds Rather cold and still a long hike ahead, so we didn't hang around long, before heading off on the long march, over several humps, round to Carn Sgulain. Fortunately, the going was quite firm and no visibility problems, which might make navigation tricky, though there is a fence to follow much of the way.


Approaching the low point before the rise to the second summit, there is not just a bog, but one helluva bog, which Big Jesper kindly proved, for my amusement. Careful steps needed. From there, it's not much of a rise to the flat summit of Carn Sgulain, which means "very unimpressive," in gaelic

Alas, the bog's are not finished as we quickly found out on the route across to the Allt Cuil na Caillich. Again, we chose our own way through the minefield of sludge, before a brief get together on the other side, however somehow due to a slight misunderstanding, we once more parted company, this time in more serious dimensions, as Big Jasper set off in the direction of Geal Charn. Somehow he usually proves to have found the better ground, but this looked a serious detour. Before long I was seriously doubting I was heading for the right summit, as he disappeared from sight; one of these "do I change route and look like a chump, or keep going and hope he's the chump," moments.

I stuck to my guns and met another couple as I got the the top of Munro 3, A'Chailleach. A rather feeble enquiry confirmed my location and determined I was not the chump ........ this time Eventually, I think the penny dropped for Jaf, and after a major detour we were united at the top, if not in mood. If looks could kill I think that's the last I'll be navigating Took some food and drink on board at this point, before making our way down to the Allt a'Chaorainn, crossing much more boggy stuff on the way, before finally getting on to a forest road, back to the motor, taking a tiresome six and a half hours for the circuit, though some did travel about a mile further than others

Not the most exciting or, photogenic three for me, but a good exercise all the same.

Looks like a great day out - I was there just a couple of weeks before, and although we've got a few matching photos - you definitely got the better weather!!

And always nice not to be the chump sometimes! hehe

ob