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Our institute goes on a weekend trip to Kinloch Rannoch every year to stay at the splendid Dunalastair Hotel. Last year a friend and I climbed Schiehallion and the corbett Beinn a'Chuallaich in some really nasty wet windy weather. This year the forecast called for blizzards and heavy snow, but thankfully the blizzard did not come until Sunday afternoon as we all tried to get back to St Andrews
. The weather on Saturday was promising, with the cloud just on the summit of Schiehallion. So 10 of us headed down the road to Drumglas Farm around 1pm. From here we walked up to the farmhouse and crossed a stile that leads under the power lines and onto the main track. The track zigzags uphill and a sign posted 'hill path' points you in the right direction at a fork. From here the path was pretty icy in places and several of our gang slid around and busted their tails a time or two. But the track is well constructed and easy to follow and we gained height without too much effort. Two of our group blazed ahead, while two others turned back around the 700m mark. Once we reached the point where we were perpindicular to the summit we turned right and started up the slopes of Beinn a'Chuallaich. The two quicker walkers had practically reached the ridgeline as I led the others up. There were only a few sections of slick hard snow to negotiate on the side of the hill, but with a few zigs and zags we managed to walk in the soft stuff until we made the top. The views were outstanding, great light back toward Glencoe, and Schiehallion made for a good backdrop as well. The only place that the wind had any effect on us was at the top, so we did not hang around too long. From the top we went back to the bealach between Beinn a'Chuallaich and Meall nan Eun where the slope made for an easy, but fun descent. The wind here was blowing the snow about an inch off the ground and when set against the backdrop of the orange ball in the sky it was a truly splendid sight. The sun was setting over Glencoe as we regained the main track and headed down. After an enjoyable descent we got back to our cars at 4 and congratulated each other on a fine expedition.
I wasn't sure if I'd do another hill this year, seeing how Ben Lomond seemed to be a good way to finish the year, being my 100th munro and all. But this corbett is a gem, especially in the conditions we had. It was really nice to share the glory of a winter hillwalking day with some great folks - seems a better way to end what has been a remarkable year in the hills for me!
