Beinn Eighe (Ruadh-stac Mor and Spidean Coire nan Clach)
Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:11 pmLeaving our rare wee Crofter's Cottage in Poolewe at 9.30am we enjoyed a beautiful drive via Gairloch and down the side of Loch Maree taking in some great views of Slioch before arriving at Kinlochewe and turning right towards Torridon. Beinn Eighe here we come!
Parking at the lower carpark we headed up the usual path through Coire Dubh Mor and around the impressive mass of Sail Mhor, up past the waterfalls and up into Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair. A beautiful clear day was unfolding as we were treated to glorious views to the West and North with Stags roaring in rut all around.
The scramble up the side of Ruadh-stac Mor lay ahead and that was exactly what it was, very steep and scrambly with some challenge and fun. Ritchie our golden lab managed up on his own, leading the way on the lower parts and meeting few deer mid-way, but this was tough for him and the limit of where I would take him. In fact the high areas of Beinn Eighe are not suited to dogs unless they are very fit and used to mountains. On reaching the first munro summit the reward for our efforts were well worth it, and it was a day to savour.
Time to head now back to the bealach and follow the rocky ridge of varied and spectacular character, first skirting Coinneach Mhor, then following an exhillerating route before reaching the trig point of Spidean Coire nan Clach.
Once down the path which becomes a very good path lower down, you arrive at the upper carpark that is not as suited for parking. We walked out onto the tarmac delighted with our time on the mountains yet again, then watching out for deer again we spent the last half hour walking the 2km down the glen back to where we started. Glen Torridon, we'll be back!
- Clouds lifting and all of getting excited about the day ahead (Myself, Valerie and Ritchie the dug!)
- Liathach appearing as we near our carpark.
- Spidean Coire nan Clach our planned 2nd summit showing the area of our path to descend later in the day.
- The river crossing that helps clearly identify your position in the glen.
- Wild and wonderful lands...
- The loch in the most impressive Coire Mhic Fhearchair.
- Grandeur, mystique and excitement of what comes next!
- Triple Buttress
- There is an option to follow the stoney spout to the bealach or skirt to the left over boulder fields and very steep rocky hillside. We went for the latter....
- ye-ha! Just as well it was such a nice day though..
- First sight of our 2nd summit from the northwest.
- But first a very pleasant stroll meeting more deer to the top of Ruadh-stac Mor.
- 1010 metres above sea level.
- 0000H.....
- The top of the spout from the bealach.
- Walking round watching our time, starting to see back down into Glen Torridon.
- Making fine progress. Watch our for loose rocks and changing geology underfoot.
- What a very fine mountain! Enjoy...
- Noting the South East spur reached from the trig point - our way down, but more to explore! Bags left at the trig point and "must-do" fun wee scramble to the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach.
- Wow! Rough and ready...
- A wonderful place to be! Mars Bars taste great here...
- Valerie loving her experience on Beinn Eighe - not as treacherous as this looks...
- Back to the trig point just 200 metres away.
- Be sure to allow time for a careful descent down the path in Coire an Laoigh.
