Loch Lochy Munros to kick off 2019

[thorburn7]

First Munros of the new year off to a great start with perfect conditions and a nice big dump of snow to play in.
Its been a while since I've had a full car of hikers all free and willing to haul themselves up a mountain.
Our target for the day was Meall na Teanga and Sron a'Choire Ghairbh. The forecast was for sun and next to no wind which means I could get some good drone footage at the top.

Another 6am start from Greenock made sure we were at Kilfinnan for 9am to make the most of the limited daylight.
The first section of the walk is down a pleasant enough forest track which we seemed to cover quickly, but maybe that was just the excitement.

The snow-capped mountains peaking through the trees on the lochside forest track.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

After about 2 miles along the track we came across the small dirt path which led up to the right and began to climb out of the tree line. Loch Lochy coming into view as we get higher.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Heading up the Cam Bhealach path with the two munros flanking each side.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

With the sun still low in the sky and the glen sheltered by the mountains it left the ground still very icy on our ascent.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

We reached the bealach and the sun was highlighting the great views to the west.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

On the ascent of Meall na Teanga, looking back towards the bealach and Cam Bhealach.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

The climb was quite steep and the deep snow made progress slow.
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The summit of the first Munro finally in sight as the sun comes out to greet us.
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A lone walker just visible as he makes his way up to Sron a'Choire Ghairbh.
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Stunning view looking northwest towards the mountains at Loch Quoich and South Glen Shiel.
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The final push towards the summit of Meall na Teanga as some cloud develops.
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No better sight from the top of a mountain than 360 degree views of other mountains in the distance.
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One of my all time favourite photos I've taken. Magnificent view of Ben Nevis.
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A quick bite to eat and a group photo to document my 175th Munro. Meall na Teanga.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

The descent from the summit back to the bealach was quick as we used the express service bum sliding technique to get down the snowy slopes. Then we headed for the zig zag path up onto Sron a'Choire Ghairbh.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Lovely view of Meall na Teanga as we climbed our 2nd Munro of the day.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Looking east with more snow-topped mountains peaking out the mist.
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Meall na Teanga with the mighty Ben looming large in the background.
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My friend Ben looking as if hes about to release an award winning album with this as a photo cover haha.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Reaching the summit of Sron a'Choire Ghairbh a got the drone out to do some shots and got this beauty of two of my pals approaching the summit cairn.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Group summit selfie using the drone on top of my 176th Munro. Sron a'Choire Ghairbh.
Untitled by Matthew Thorburn, on Flickr

Short drone video on Sron a'Choire Ghairbh. I've incorrectly named it Meall na Teanga by mistake.

[arjh]

Magnificent photos. That last week of January was a great one for the central highlands.