Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich - After 2 months off the hills.

[thorburn7]

Having been away working in Germany for 2 months I had built up a bad case of Munro deficiency. Not being able to climb those fantastic mountains in Scotland left me very depressed and longing to come home as soon as possible. To celebrate m triumphant return from the European mainland I decided a venture beyond the Great Glen was in order. The vast majority of Munros I've bagged have been on the right side the Great Glen. The only other trip beyond that had been to Strathfarrar Munros up to this point. With the longer daylight hours returning I thought now was a good time to start aiming to bag Munros in the North West Highlands.

Our Choice was Spidean Mialach and Gleouraich. Two Munros high above Loch Quoich to restart my Munro-bagging adventures this year. Coming up from Greenock required a 6am start. I am actually starting to quite enjoy these early mornings as it means you can travel further and faster and get longer daylight on the hills. I was expecting a 4 hour car journey but was happily surprised to get there in just under 3.5 hrs.

Driving through Glen Garry and along the side of Loch Quoich was great. Calm and tranquil in the morning sun.
We parked up at the small car park marked on the map and followed the walkhighlands route east to west to take full advantage of the sunlight. We set off at about 10am.

Starting our ascent we had great weather to enjoy views of Loch Quoich.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Halfway up Spidean Mialach, the clear skies promised by Sean Batty were slowly disappearing. The path up was clear and in good condition, made good progress despite stopping for regular kodak moments.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Just below the summit of the first of the day's 2 munros.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Summit of Spidean Mialach at 12:30. 2.5hrs after starting off and celebrating with a customary summit selfie.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Here's me looking happy to be back on the hills after a few months off. And also happy to be able to start at the top of a hill in just a jumper. Winter is always good when it comes round but boy have I missed the warm weather haha.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

My companions in the distance. They like to take pictures after every step so I seem to always be waiting on them.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

There's a nice wee ridge connecting the 2 munros on this circuit. No dramas and straightforward enough. Took 1.5hrs for us to get down the 1st Munro and up the ridge onto the 2nd.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Looking back along the ridge towards Spidean Mialach.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Some good looking crags on the northside of these hills.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Summit selfie at the top of Gleouraich at 4pm.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Weather closing in but a shaft of sunlight breaking through the dense cloud.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Brilliant view of Loch Quoich on the way off the mountain.
Spidean Mialach & Gleouraich by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

We got back to the car about 6pm. A quick stop off at the Clachaig Inn for dinner broke up the long journey back home. Legs were in agony after this due to my time off. But so happy to get back on the bagging trail. Same again next week? Definitely!

[1Magnus]

Great report with fantastic pictures. Walk just in normal boots? Or with crampons / winter equipment? Thanks.

[katyhills]

Lovely stuff! Surprisingly little snow up top there, apart from the nice cornices. It's a good few years since I did these, and I had a lovely clear day for them.
You did well time wise too, after your time off. That feeling in the thighs as they protest on an ascent is always a tricky moment

Some lovely shots - I particularly like your 'shaft of light' pic. Every time I see something like that I'm reminded of the Bowie song ' Oh you pretty things ' - # a crack in the sky and a hand reaching down to me.

[thorburn7]

Great report with fantastic pictures. Walk just in normal boots? Or with crampons / winter equipment? Thanks.

Just normal boots, I've got a pair of really good scarpas so had no issues. Conditions were not too bad, Crampons werent required.