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A very short notice outing, in other words arranged the evening before. This was my only free day for the next week or so, being retired is supposed to give you all the time in the world, but someone forgot to tell my darling wife.
I contacted George but he had already promised his expertise elsewhere, however Parminder was keen to head west, so we were meeting up at the Park & Ride in Inverkeithing.
We left Fife in drizzle and low cloud discussing how things were supposed to be much, much better in the west and for a change the forecast was spot on.
We arrived at the "limited" parking area at 1015 and managed to find a spot very close to the start, along with another 6 or so cars. No route map this time as we followed the WH route almost to the letter.
The way ahead, excellent track
Track fairly obvious traversing up the hillside
The weather was fantastic and it really does make a difference, it wasn't long before we had to stop so I could remove my fleece, as I was overheating on the steady slight climb on the track. Even with the fleece off it was still roasting, no breeze at all and we were both almost complaining about the heat.
Looking across to the Cruachan range, Coire Chreachainn
The way ahead
Looking back - Parminder marching uphill
That's where we are going
Looking back from slightly higher, Loch Awe coming into view
Looking to a kind of bealach between the Cruachan range and a'Chochuill
Looking back, track rather obvious
Parminder winding up his GPS
For all the lamb lovers
We followed the track a bit too far, hence the photo of the underground jail - one of the many tunnel entrances/exits?
Parminder loving the views - and the rest of course
The climb up the shoulder has begun
Cruachan and co
Looking back from higher still
Looking west towards Stob Diamh and Cruachan
The first summit (Beinn a'Chochuill) in the distance, not far now
Looking north
Parminder, as usual about 20m behind, view behind him is of the 2nd summit, doesn't look very far
Looking towards the summit again, busy hill
The final push
Looking very pointy looking
Summit gathering of stones
Cracking view across to Mull
Looking north
On our way to the final hill
Descending down to the bealach
Looking back
Looking south, Loch Awe peeking out
Ascending now, Parminder still tagging along behind
Loch Awe zoomed
Looking back, pointy hills on the left
Looking north from the summit area of Beinn Eunaich
What a view
Starting the final descent, Loch Awe zoomed and looking "Awesome"
Loch Awe from a bit further down the hill
Looking down towards Dalmally
Cruachan range
About to start the serious descent, we were following 'Highland man' (from Burntisland), I think that was your alter ego?
Was great to meet you and swap stories after the steep descent.
A bit lower down
A bit lower down
Looking north from the descent
Still quite a long way down, another couple of guys further down
Who could this be following me?
Doesn't look that steep!!
Still quite a bit further to go
Still being followed
Turned out to a fantastic day, couple of good hills that I hadn't been up for about 12 years. Thanks to Parminder for his usual great company and as promised Highlander Man (did a search but not sure of the correct spelling) was good to meet you.
