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Colin's offer of Streap was too tempting after a day of bad weather on Saturday. We opted for a late start as the weather was set to improve so met at the classy meeting place of the Crianlarich bogs before continuing together.
Banter flowed freely, as did the rain, on and off, as we crossed rannoch moor, made it unhindered through fort William and arrived at our start point a few miles short of glenfinnan. As we arrived another car was just leaving, so they had either had an early start or a late night!
It was raining heavily when we arrived so we elected to stay inside to wait it out ; nae point starting out wet! However, when the rain stopped, the midges started so Boots were laced quickly and mushy spray was inducted into my pre walk routine for the first time this year. Happy days...
Now ready to go, Colin released the hounds and we were off. Our first problem was getting through the gate - only flat Stanley would be able to fit, fortunately the vehicle section opened so we were able to progress!
It was an easy walk along a track initially. We were walking quickly enough to leave the midges behind and everything was very pretty. The dogs were running around and enjoying their freedom. Soon enough the rain returned and eventually we had to give in and stop for waterproofs.
We reached the point in the track where we were to leave it made our way through a gate. There was a vague path crossing the hillside which we followed before starting to off road a bit. There was an option to climb demoted Corbett Beinn an Tuim but we decided to give it a miss
Looking back
Looking ahead to our descent route
The rain had stopped and climbing uphill had become hot work so we lost the waterproofs. We followed our noses, heading uphill, weaving in between craggy outcrops and generally steeply up.
Deer
Backwards again
Wet dug
Streap itself still hiding
Neither of us was paying much attention to where we were going (other than up) as we were too busy talking, so we were a bit confused when faced with crags ahead...checking the map we realised that we were actually heading up the demoted Corbett after all
so figured we may as well do it properly!
Deer leading the way
Looking back to Loch Shiel
Gulvain peeking out the cloud
Up was much less frustrating than down, so we picked out a route and went for it. The last bit was a scramble up a steep gully which reminded me a little too much of Garbh Bheinn but we made it and it was an easy wander over a couple of false summits to the top of Beinn an Tuim.
It may not be a Corbett anymore but it was a fabulous viewpoint and well worth climbing anyway.
Harry Potter Bridge
Now back on the ridge we were assaulted by the full force of the wind, so I jumped around trying to keep warm while Colin tried to get the dogs to pose for photos
The ridge ahead
Nevis
Zoomed
We set off again, steeply down to the bealach where we ought to have come up to. The weather was lovely and (although I wouldn't admit it at the time) I couldn't care less that we'd gone over an extra summit. But it was too much fun blaming Colin for going wrong
Ahead
Now we were on the ridge the going seemed easier, and although the terrain was rocky and unpredictable there was something of a path. We joked that we must be in the wrong place as Corbetts never had paths
My legs had been complaining as I'd accidentally cycled 45km the night before so they were pleased at the easing.
The views were stunning and quite easily took my mind off the steep ups and downs as we wound our way along the ridge.
Glenfinnan munros and Beinn Sgritheall behind
Streap just peeking out
It was a decent distance but the hills in this area are so enjoyable so it was no chore. Banter was still flowing too. I do love being on my own in the hills but it's also really nice to have someone other than myself to talk to sometimes
The narrow bit
Streap and Loch Arkaig hills behind
Eventually we arrived at the final approach to the summit. The ridge narrowed significantly and became much more exciting. The high winds spiced it up nicely although there was never any exposure or need for worry.
Looking back along the ridge
All too soon it was over and we arrived at the summit, although we didn't realise it at the time. I thought we were at the highest point and after a map check we realised we were! Huzzah!!
Loch Arkaig
Streap Comhlaidh with Nevis behind
Sgurr nan Coireachan
Sgurr nan Coireachan & Sgurr Thuilm
Glenfinnan munros & Glen Dessary hills
Streap Comhlaidh & Gulvain
Gulvain & Loch Arkaig
Streap summit
We ducked out the wind and settled down for some lunch in a sheltered spot. I say lunch...it was about 4pm
The dogs wanted to eat my sandwiches
Wee Jura
We were actually very glad we'd stopped as a big rain shower must've missed us by a matter of metres, but made for some cool photos.
Loch Eil and Fort William
Eventually we were starting to get cold, well I was as I'd stupidly not added any layers
so we got moving again. Turned out there was an easier route off the summit than we took but that would've been boring
Colin wandered off to be dramatic while I was snapping photos.
The ridge ahead and Nevis
The ridge continued to be interesting all the way up to the top of Steap Na... which was also a pretty special viewpoint, and we were treated to what I dubbed a "Gulvain-bow"
Pretty light
Streap, Glenfinnan hills and Glen Dessary
Gulvain and beyond
From here it was downhill...and pretty steeply at that. We took our time (well I certainly did ) not wanting any accidents or knee troubles. Although it was steep it was certainly direct and we lost height quickly. It had turned into a glorious afternoon and evening so stopping for pictures was no hardship.
Going down
Looking back up
Finally reaching the bottom, it became somewhat boggy as we hopped over big ruts in the track. Fortunately it soon became easier underfoot and we reached the bridge. It was a nice spot for a photo and here is Colin trying to take a better one than mine...
Looking back to the ridge
From here it was an easy walk along to the bothy where we popped in for a nosey and a nice chat with a guy who had just arrived.
It was now very warm and the lack of wind now we were sheltered in the Glen was tiring us out. Fortunately it was an easy walk back along the track, across the bridge to where we first left the track earlier and then retracing our steps to the car.
Dug photobombing
Looking at the time we realised we had 90 mins to get past bridge of orchy or we'd be diverted through Oban
We quickly piled dogs and people into the car and made it through easily, despite caravans and Sunday drivers doing their best to scupper our plans.
Cheers to Colin for the company and here's to Corbetts, demoted or otherwise
