Walkhighlands

We (the Northern Heights Three) chose this route because of strong winds forecast from the East.

Our approach began about half a km north of Vagastie where there is parking for a couple of cars. From here we could see the small footbridge that marked the start to the walk. We followed a faint path all the way to the outflow from Loch Bad an Loch. That was the easy bit! From here it was a question of picking our way across tussocky grass, heather, and what could, in wet weather, be boggy ground towards Loch nan Uan but keeping above it on higher ground. We then took a roughly East South East approach to the foot of the steep rise up to the clear 'walkhighlands' path on the west side of Creag an Lochain. This is a bit of a slog to say the least and it was a relief to reach the path.

After a breather here to eat, drink and adjust our clothing for the colder and windier ridge we followed the walkhighlands route to the summit cairn.



Sadly the cloud came down but we had had great views on the ascent. Whilst eating lunch just below the summit and out of the wind we decide to vary our descent. So we continued back past where we had emerged onto the main path - meeting briefly with a young man and his two children (8 and 11) who had also clambered up our outbound route - we were very impressed with their determination! Our descent route which we hoped would be easier than the ascent (it was as it wasn't so steep) was along a minor ridge about midway between Carn an Fheidh and Cnoc Sgriodain. An initial faint path was helpful at the start but this petered out and it was a case of more tussocky grass back to Loch Bad an Loch.



Overall this was an interesting route but not one to recommend unless - as in this case - there is a strong wind from the East.