Left Falkirk at 04.15, I have always loved the early morning, best time of the day, and had a very quiet drive up, arriving at the Bridge of Orchy hotel at 6 a.m.
Weather was a bit misty with a cool wind, but you just knew it was going to clear up.
Began the walk by crossing the main road, up to the railway station and through the underpass.
- Railway Underpass
Path bears left and then heads uphill.
Nice gentle climb up Coire an Dothaidh with an unusually low Allt an Dothaidh on your left side.
- Beinn Dorain in the mist
- Beinn an Dothaidh
- View back to Bridge of Orchy
Eroded path brings you right up to the bealach.
- Beinn Dorain from the bealach
Turned left to tackle Beinn an Dothaidh first.
Legs a bit sore, but not too bad.
Clouds began to lift as I made my way uphill, still a nice breeze blowing.
- Beinn an Dothaidh in the sunshine
Made my way up the grassy slopes towards the summit, very dry conditions underfoot.
Went to the true summit first and then wandered to the other two summits and spent a while sitting at each, admiring the views.
- Cloudy view over Rannoch Moor
- Beinn Dorain from Beinn an Dothaidh
Eventually, I began to make my way downhill to the bealach.
This is when my legs and feet really began to play up. Ouch.
At the bealach, I seriously considered heading back down, but after a little rest I headed up Beinn Dorain.
Was a bit of a slog, but when I reached Cairn Sasunnaich, I knew the true peak was not far away.
- Carn Sasunnaich with summit behind
- beinn Dorain summit
Really clear views now, glad I kept going.
Met a chap from Milingavie, can't remember his name sorry, had a nice chat for a while, really set the world to rights.
Took some photos, cracking scenery.
- Towrads Crianlarich
- Ben More and Stob Binnein close up
- Cruach Ardrain close up
- Glencoe left Ben Nevis centre
- Ben Nevis and the Mamores
- Ballachulish hills, I think
- Ben Cruchan
- View of Loch Tulla
- Ben Nevis and CMD arete
I sat for a long time and took far too many photos.
Then I took my boots off and plastered up the blisters on my feet.
The walk back down was a tad painful and I began to curse every slip on scree or every uneven bit of path that led too a stubbed toe.
Was really glad to get back to the car park and change into a comfy pair of training shoes for the drive back.
A day later and the legs were still a bit stiff and sore.
All in all a great day out and such a brilliant feeling to be able to go back up the hills after such a long break.
Really makes you appreciate how you should never take anything, or anybody, for granted in this life.
Enough said.
