Loch Broom pair

[Benaden887]

25th July I`m on the ferry crossing the Minch to reach Ullapool for 0930. The mainland northern hills are shrouded in cloud and the forecast`s not good with dire warnings for later. I hav`nt come this distance to climb in clag, so head up loch Broom for the c/p @ Inverael, prepared to walk in the rain.

Beinn Bhreac or Meall Dubh 14km 660m 4.30h
With my ME jacket in the sac - I take a path to the forest. L turn, over bridge then R to follow the river upstream, ignore turn offs until a bend shows me the ruins of Glensquaib
Forestry clearing here, path splits but I go strait on for a higher track to fence and gate.
Open moor, the clouds lift, the track bends towards the Allt Badan Seasgach - then boggy rising ground to a flat area with lochan and top. Cloud still to the N, while Seana Bhraigh, and the Dearg group are clear. I recall the time, staying at Aultguish, we were dropped off at Lubnach in Strath Vaich for a munro bashing day. From Am Faochagach, Cona` Meall, Beinn Dearg, Ceapraichean, Clach Geala to Seana Bhraigh with a pickup at Invereal in just over 12hrs. Some day. Wish I could do that now. Anyways, back the way I came, this has been another smash an grab trip but enjoyable none the less.

Having no maps for this pair I relied on the text of my new MCS Graham`s book, compass, my capabilities as a mountaineer and the fact that it was a good day. This in no way to be held up as an example.

Meall Doire Faid. 7km 620m 2.5h

Park @ gr 229765 trainers and lite gear. The sun is out and warm, thoughts of Coigach are pushed from my mind as I tackle the hill. Not complex but steep in bits I gain height fast and think I`m at the top when notice a higher top further along the ridge. So another km, down an up for the real top and cairn. Great views of the Fannichs, Fisherfield and An Teallach. While here, Beinns of Dearg and Enaiglair. I could descend N into Coire Leacachein but don`t fancy the grass so return down the way I came.
Seen enroute. Inverael a pair of Munro scoffers learning I was Grahaming
(Come wi us an dae a real hill.) I just smiled, for eons ago that guy was me. Birds and insects
on both hills. Guy heading for the Fannichs @ hill 2
I can`t complain, didn`t do all I wanted to, but more than enough to keep me happy. Weather was fine, The Isles just magic, so cut a stick when you see it - and another corner off my Grahams map

Now for home.