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So here it is... My first walk report. I'm new to this page so it's a wee bit confusing using my online diary. Before tackling this I'd like to apologize for all mistakes in the text (English being my second language makes it all even stranger
).
I've been climbing for three years now, since I moved north, and I've already tasted some serious mountain walking. Sgurr Mhic Bharraich was relatively easy for me, but a special one at the same time. I knew that my husband had something up his sleeve - it turned out to be a fantastic birthday gift for any mountain maniac.
We drove down to Shiel Bridge hoping for good weather and there it was - lovely sunshine, blue sky with a few white clouds, refreshing breeze... What else could you wish for?
From Shiel Bridge campsite a well constructed (though boggy in places) path took us into Gleann Undalainn, crowned with splendid view of The Saddle and its Forcan Ridge covered in November snow...
- The Saddle from Gleann Undalainn
The path climbed up the eastern slopes of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, eventually reaching small plateau with Loch Coire nan Crogachan. At some point I looked back - just to see the full beauty of Five Sisters of Kintail, presenting their white tops:
- Five Sisters
The upper slopes of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich are relatively steep and slippery, but nothing too challenging for a stubborn panther
That's what happens if you let the cat out, my husband said, struggling to keep up so we took a short break to take more pictures...
- The Sisters again
Finally, we reached the ridge and the main top showed up. So did the wind, I must admit. We stopped to put on our winter coats, and the blowing wind almost claimed posession of my rucksack
But that small inconvenience couldn't prevent the cat from reaching the top.
- The top of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich
The highest point of the ridge is marked by a distinctive cairn. The views... aaaah... no comment. The best birthday gift ever!
- Happy Panther
- Looking west towards Isle of Skye
- Beinn Fhada
We stayed on the top for over 30 minutes... Regardless of ghastly wind.
Walking down the northern slopes of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, one can look all the way along Loch Duich:
- Loch Duich
The last part of the descent was wet and boggy, but the effort was rewarded with the beautiful panorama of snowy Sisters:
So... That's all folks! The whole circle, including breaks, took us about 5 hours and I have to say my birthday gift exceeded all my expectations