Sgurr an Utha - "orf to shoot a few hinds"
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:31 am
For me, this is in the top 10 of Corbetts - albeit, I have only approached the halfway mark. It had been several weeks since my last walk out - as hectic a November as I can remember. I had booked a night up in the Glenuig inn and was really impressed with this part of the world. Just the view down Loch Eilt was sublime and I stopped to get a photo - exquisite.
After a great breakfast the next day, I was parked at the lay-by by 0900 and it was very cold but clear. I began the walk up the excellent Land Rover track and very quickly, height was gained. There were lovely views back over to the Corbetts above Loch Eilt. Glas-Charn was visible now but that would be for another day. I was surprised how far up the mountain the track went on my intended hill. At 470m, I left the track and began the climb up towards my objective. A herd of deer raced across the mountain, with the snow-line now being encroached upon. Just me, the mountain and being in the wild. It is great to get back to being 'organic'. This is where we belong.
Visibility was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the yomp across to the ridge between Sgurr an Utha and Fraoch-Bheinn. Eventually, I levelled out on the ridge and the views across to the Glenfinnan Munros and Streap were outstanding. It had been a good few years since I'd been that way with Graeme and now sadly departed Lucy . The wind was pretty chilly at this point and so I made my way to the summit. The coire dropped away sharply and Loch Beoraid stretched to the West. As wild a glen as there probably is. However, I couldn't believe that I could now also see Rhum, Eigg and Skye. I didn't pause too long at the summit, as it was very cold and I knew I had some tricky negotiations ahead of me down the South-West ridge in the snow. It was fabulous just taking my time down the mountain and it didn't feel long before I made it over the burn, and back on to the Land Rover track. As I made my way down, the land owner presumably, drove up in his 4x4 and said he was "orf to shoot some hinds". What a life. Mine will do nicely thanks. I can't wait to get back to this part of the world, lots of hill experiences to be had.
After a great breakfast the next day, I was parked at the lay-by by 0900 and it was very cold but clear. I began the walk up the excellent Land Rover track and very quickly, height was gained. There were lovely views back over to the Corbetts above Loch Eilt. Glas-Charn was visible now but that would be for another day. I was surprised how far up the mountain the track went on my intended hill. At 470m, I left the track and began the climb up towards my objective. A herd of deer raced across the mountain, with the snow-line now being encroached upon. Just me, the mountain and being in the wild. It is great to get back to being 'organic'. This is where we belong.
Visibility was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the yomp across to the ridge between Sgurr an Utha and Fraoch-Bheinn. Eventually, I levelled out on the ridge and the views across to the Glenfinnan Munros and Streap were outstanding. It had been a good few years since I'd been that way with Graeme and now sadly departed Lucy . The wind was pretty chilly at this point and so I made my way to the summit. The coire dropped away sharply and Loch Beoraid stretched to the West. As wild a glen as there probably is. However, I couldn't believe that I could now also see Rhum, Eigg and Skye. I didn't pause too long at the summit, as it was very cold and I knew I had some tricky negotiations ahead of me down the South-West ridge in the snow. It was fabulous just taking my time down the mountain and it didn't feel long before I made it over the burn, and back on to the Land Rover track. As I made my way down, the land owner presumably, drove up in his 4x4 and said he was "orf to shoot some hinds". What a life. Mine will do nicely thanks. I can't wait to get back to this part of the world, lots of hill experiences to be had.