Beinn a'Ghlo circuit

[U059361]

Got to the parking area after a diversion, point to note, my satnav didn't have the road on this side of the valley so I went the wrong way initially before realising and turning back and then having the interesting experience of driving over green stuff only and satnav telling me I was driving east. I got there at 8am having left Edinburgh before 6. The track to the wooden hut is good, but there was bog jumping for the keen if you want to go directly to the path up the hill. A wrong step here could ruin your day. I was at the first top at 9am, the second at 10am and the third at 12 midday.
Carn Liath top to Beinn Mhaol ridge by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Beinn Mhaol with Beinn a'Ghlo in background by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Carn Liath from Beinn Mhaol by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Coire Chruinn-bhalgain by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain to Beinn a'Ghlo by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Back to Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Carn Liath by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Beinn a'Ghlo view back by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Here I had my lunch while talking to a guy from Invergordon. He had already overtaken me and headed off over the next top to get back. I finished my lunch and headed back down to the bealach and the worn path along the valley back to the stalkers path.
Bealach an Fhiodha path back by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Some parts had been covered in peat washed down from the hillside and it was boggy on a regular basis. Eventually spotted the improved stalkers path and headed directly over to it. There were stones to get over the burn and a worn path along to the stalkers path.
Stalkers path to hills by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
From there back to the car seemed like an eternity although it is very easy walking and I was going as fast as my weary feet could carry me. It was hot and dusty and that didn't help. The path actually heads to the track end and that is leading further away from the hill which made it seem even longer than necessary.
Stalkers path divides by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
Back on the track by Joe Kincaid, on Flickr
However, I was really glad to get back and get my feet out of my boots. There was no steam but I felt there should have been. It was 2:45pm, I had been on my feet for 6.5 hours. Last week I walked the Pentlands and walked as far and climbed higher than this walk, so it is strange what perception will do, I didn't know these hills and expected more of a struggle, harder walking steeper slopes, but it didn't turn out that bad. Glad I did this walk as I can now look for other similar walks confident that I can do them.