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Spring has arrived early this year. Regular temperatures in Beauly last week: double digits. First flowers, singing birds, farmers working in the fields... Where is snow, frost and ice? Something is seriously wrong with weather these days
Two weeks ago we visited the viewpoint above Corrimony and all Affric hills were still white. In just a few days, the view changed completely. All the snow is gone, just a few odd patches here and there... I saw better winter conditions in May sometimes
On the positive side, snowless February for us means more opportunities, more route choices. Not that we are afraid of winter walking, quite the opposite, but there are some routes I'd rather not attempt in full winter conditions. So with a reasonable forecast for the last weekend of February, we had a long discussion about where to go. The only restriction would be potential river crossings (we assumed after all that quick meltdown many rivers would be in spate). We considered Ben MacDhui, the Easains, Stob Ban, Sgor Ruadh and even some of the Fannichs, but in the end, we opted for the good, old Beinn Dearg. The Ullapool one.
We both had done the whole group before (Kevin twice) but we had a sneaky plan about an alternative descent route from BD - the north-west ridge. Our fellow Walkhighlander Malky climbed up this route in mid-January, so I knew it was doable, especially now when winter packed up and moved back to the North Pole. We preferred to reverse it though, as the morning was windy. Going up the path in Gleann na Sguaib meant we'd stay in the lee of the cliffs for most of the ascent. In theory, we had enough time to add one more Munro, but we were too lazy and instead, preferred to spend 30 minutes in half-horizontal position on the summit of Benn Dearg
So here it is, the Beinn Dearg circular. The NW ridge is mostly good going and easy navigation along a dry stone dyke. The final 100m of descent were overgrown with heather and a bit boggy in places, but nothing drastic. Overall, a good way to fully explore the Red Mountain.
There was only one car parked in Inverlael when we arrived. Surprisingly, as we expected crowds charging up the route on a decent Sunday... But never mind. A greater chance to have the summit to ourselves
The initial stage through the woods was quick. We didn't faff about and soon entered Gleann na Sguaib:
If you want to go up the NW ridge, you could cross the river here:
...but we discovered on the way down, there is no need to ford River Lael at all. The tracks through the forest all join together eventually - of course it's easier to find your way when returning from the hill
Apart from occasional gusts of cold-ish wind and some high cloud in the sky, it was a perfect day. We took frequent stops for photos and videos:
I was surprised to see water levels in all streams so low. No problems with crossing:
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 016 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
One of many waterfalls en route:
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 017 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
The path up Coire Mathair Lathail was mostly dry and no snow anywhere:
Indeed, there was more snow on the hills during our previous visit to this group and that was in mid-May!!!
The northern cliffs of Benn Dearg:
My right boot was giving me a hard time. I stopped to take it off and investigate the inside. The fabric at the back of the heel has split and the rough edge was rubbing my leg - ouch. During the whole walk, I was forced to stop a few times just to adjust it. Eventually, wearing an extra sock did the job. On a positive note, I had a good excuse to order a brand new pair of walking boots
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 034 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
Pushing up Coire Mathair Lathail, views don to Gleann na Sguaib behind me:
Lochan Lathail and the final slope leading to the col between Beinn Dearg and Meall nan Ceapraichean:
Not a usual scene for February: almost completely snow free slope:
Having reached the coll at nearly 900m, we stopped again. I had to fight my rubbing boot again, Kevin took some time taking pictures. We caught the first glimpse of An Teallach:
...and Cona Mheall:
Can you spot a person on the ridge?
The final climb to Beinn Dearg is stony and quite steep, but no scrambling. I actually found it easy. During our previous visit, we left BD as the last of the four Munros and by the time we got to this slope, I was already tired and as a result, hated the experience with the bouldery side of the Red Mountain. Now, on fresher legs it was more fun:
Seana Bhraigh to the north, with Ben Klibreck to the right, on the horizon:
It was 12:45 when we reached the summit. We didn't push it, as we knew we had plenty of time and no pressure to run up the remaining three Munros, indeed this time, we wanted to concentrate on the highest of them only
We have all been here before, including Lucy, but we couldn't skip the tradition of posing by the cairn:
Puss in one boot
There was a strong breeze on the top of the mountain, but hidden well behind the large cairn, we could stretch our legs and laze about for as long as we wanted. It didn't feel like February at all, and at some point I concluded, it couldn't be February. It had to be FEBRUJUNE!
Kevin didn't neglect to take some nice photos. The high cloud made them all look like it was sunset, but indeed it was mid-day.
Loch a'Bhraoin and the Torridons on the horizon, Slioch to the right:
Mighty An Teallach also snow-free:
Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Coigach:
Cul Mor and Suilven:
Ben More Assynt and Conival:
A wider pano of Assynt weirdos:
Seana Bhraigh in full glory:
Ben Wyvis:
View south to Loch Carron hills and the eastern Fannichs:
Wider pano west, from Sgur Mor to An Teallach:
Eventually, it was time to start the descent. The NW ridge was waiting.
After the first 30m of descent, we came across a dry stone dyke, which follows the ridge for most of its length. Navigation for idiots should be taught here
Why is the puss happy?
...because she's about to walk this!!!!
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 100 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
Beinn Eanaglair and the western panorama:
This ridge is amazing. Not only it offers superb views and gives the walker a chance to see Beinn Dearg from a completely different perspective, but also, it is dotted with many interesting rocky shapes:
Eididh nan Clach Geala seen through the gap of Cadh' an Amadain:
The short, stony section, here the easiest going i close to the stone wall:
Vertical cliffs:
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 124 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
Lochan Lathail and Meall nan Ceapraichean:
Somebody here is hyper! is it the result of mild Februjune weather?
Speaking of summer... Zoom to the Summer Isles:
The ridge continues for about 5km. There is a faint path along the dry stone dyke. Lower down, it's much gentler angle and walking with such amazing views around really made my heart sing. Yuppie!
An Teallach again:
Panoramic view back from half way down the ridge. Beinn Dearg to the right, Meall nan Ceapraichean in the middle, Eididh nan Clach Geala to the left:
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 158 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
A friendly pair of locals:
Zoomed Torridons, Groban and Beinn Bheag in the foreground:
A hyper happy puss
The cairn marks the top of Meall Breac:
We continued the gradual descent for another 2km, when eventually we reached a wide gully with an unnamed stream in it. The best way down back to Gleann na Sguaib is to follow the eastern (right hand side as you face the glen) banks of this gully. There is a boggy path here, probably used more by deer than people - we saw fresh deer prints in the bog. The slope is overgrown with heather, but nothing too difficult for a hyper cat in Februjune!
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 177 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
Looking back up our route of descent:
Back in the glen, the last glimpse of Beinn Dearg:
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 183 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
Instead of crossing the river, we used the forest tracks on the eastern side of the glen to find our way back - it's straightforward. When we entered the forest, it felt like at least 15*C maybe even more and the breeze has dropped completely. It must be the nature of Februjune, you can strip to your t-shirt and keep smiling!
2019-02-24 beinn dearg 185 by
Ewa Dalziel, on Flickr
It was a great day, very enjoyable, especially the descent route with tremendous views. Highly recommended if you don't need to worry about time. I guess most walkers miss the NW ridge because they rush quickly to do all four Munros in one walk. But it's worth to return here for more explorations and we ain't finished with this area yet. Though I'd love to visit Torridon or the Cairngorms next time for a change... But it all depends on weather. Februjune is almost over, will we experience Marchaugust? Only time will tell
