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Only one to get off the train at 0900. Suited me today.
Famous last words from the train conductor-" you'll get back in plenty time for the 1825, it's a good clear day."
He was 50% right!!
Good track all the way up to "Peters rock"- just remember to get on the higher path at the split!.
Just a case of heading straight up hill on pathless wet ground. Wee bit rockier on the way round to the huge cairn. Fairly impressive cairn and no views. Mist was down and it started to rain.
Good path most of the way down to the boggy beallach. Waterproof bottoms and bergan cover were on by now.
Headed up to the cairn on Sgor gaibhre where the wind really picked up. Wasn't hanging around. Still some big pockets of snow dotted around.
Knew I had to kept away from the rockier east side on the descent and wasn't going over the other top either so it was NW and down.
Boggy and wet all the way down and I saw the forest and Loch come into view. Headed for the corner of the forest and didn't see any gate so it was over- carefully- the 7ft fence and round to the river. Forded this and went over the bridge and round the north side. Had a look at the " hunting lodge " i couldn't make up my mind if it was a beautiful piece of modern architecture or an eyesore- although it is quite hidden somewhat.
The rain had stopped by now and I was enjoying the walk along the loch side. Reached the cattle grid and thought for a brief millisecond about heading up to beinn na lap. I was enjoying the day and said to myself that I actually wanted to come back here so I headed on.
And my legs were tired and the rain came back on
Nearing the "train station" i passed 5 or 6 heading down to the youth hostel. I had checked online about spaces overnight here and it was fully booked. Reckon they must have booked it as a group.
Was looking forward to sitting down in a comfy chair in the station house, beside a log fire, having a coffee and a bite to eat; whilst waiting for the train at 1825.
WRONG
SHUT!!
ah well , into the wee shelter on the platform and wait for over 2 hours.
Train arrived on time thankfully and I had the head torch on making sure he saw me standing there.
The ascent, the descent and the walk along the loch made it an enjoyable day.
As stated at the start; the conductor was 50% right. I made it back no probs for the train, however it wasn't a dry clear day.
Think I'll be going over to chno dearg next month so may look into a route to beinn na lap that way.
Edit: - they say size isn't everything. Very true in the case of Leum Uilleim which looks very impressive compared to beinn na lap. Hey ho, it is what it is.
Cap doffed to Carn dearg and sgor gaibhre
Cheers
