Foinaven (Trail 100 #68)
Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:46 amClimbed with Chris.
A brutal day!
Weather, overall, was good, though some heavy showers came through (and the one right at the end of the day when we got to Gualin House was particularly unwelcome!!)
Key thing to remember? There are no paths up and down this mountain!!
We attempted to follow Route 48 in the Cicerone 'Scotland's Far North' book, but this actually is just a long slog across a vast strength-sapping bog followed by a steep climb initially over bog and hidden streams followed by what has to be said is an enjoyable scramble over large, angular rocks to the summit of Ceann Garbh. From there, a fairly straightforward walk to the main summit of Ganu Mor.
The views from the summit are simply stupendous!!!!!
Foinaven itself, as a massif, is incredible and you could spend hours exploring the different tops and ridges.
Alas, time was against so we attempted the descent from Ceann Garbh (partly because there was the vestiges of a path from the summit). Unfortunately, this was a bit of a red herring as the path quickly disappeared and the descent became an arduous test of endurance and concentration with slippery slopes, large rock-fields and, yes, more bog!!
Eventually, we reached the forest track in Strath Dionard and began the long walk to Gualin House in the fading light.
By the time we reached the road light had almost gone and we had to walk in near darkness.
Fortunately, a kind local gave us a lift for the last mile or so back to the car (most welcome!!)
A brutal day!
Weather, overall, was good, though some heavy showers came through (and the one right at the end of the day when we got to Gualin House was particularly unwelcome!!)
Key thing to remember? There are no paths up and down this mountain!!
We attempted to follow Route 48 in the Cicerone 'Scotland's Far North' book, but this actually is just a long slog across a vast strength-sapping bog followed by a steep climb initially over bog and hidden streams followed by what has to be said is an enjoyable scramble over large, angular rocks to the summit of Ceann Garbh. From there, a fairly straightforward walk to the main summit of Ganu Mor.
The views from the summit are simply stupendous!!!!!
Foinaven itself, as a massif, is incredible and you could spend hours exploring the different tops and ridges.
Alas, time was against so we attempted the descent from Ceann Garbh (partly because there was the vestiges of a path from the summit). Unfortunately, this was a bit of a red herring as the path quickly disappeared and the descent became an arduous test of endurance and concentration with slippery slopes, large rock-fields and, yes, more bog!!
Eventually, we reached the forest track in Strath Dionard and began the long walk to Gualin House in the fading light.
By the time we reached the road light had almost gone and we had to walk in near darkness.
Fortunately, a kind local gave us a lift for the last mile or so back to the car (most welcome!!)