3 Monar Munros in 45mph winds - Welcome to the North West!

[Chris Mac]

3-Loch-Monar-Munros.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Finally, at last... a walk up in the North West Highlands. Blue skies and sunshine promised, yeah the small matter of strong winds but I sort of ignored that and Iain never even checked! I've done Munros in 40mph gusts before, we'lll be fine.

With us both residing south of Glasgow an early start was required for a trip to Strathcarron and Iain picked me up at 5am!

We made good progress north to Inverness and stopped off for breakfast on arrival. Before long we were on our way again and parking at Craig car park, setting off at half 10 and crossing the railway line to follow the forestry track:
DSC_0004 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's a nice walk in with Fuar Tholl providing a nice view looking back:
DSC_0007 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The 5th highest Corbett Sgurr nan Ceanneaichean dominates as we walk towards it with Moruisg peeking out behind it:
DSC_0008 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

After a short while we get our first sight of the highest target of the day, Munro 2 - Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0015 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Fuar Tholl, the almost Munro size Torridon Corbett looking grand behind us:
DSC_0024 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I quite fancy adding in Sgurr nan Ceanneaichean when it comes to doing Moruisg:
DSC_0026 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we continue on we now have a great view of Munros one and two with Sgurr Choinnich on the right our initial target:
DSC_0030 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We skip this dodgy looking wire crossing and head for the next one, passing a nice large rock pool:
DSC_0031 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At the southern end of Ardach we reach the waterfalls and ford:
DSC_0034 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

This wire bridge is just as dodgy as the last but the water level was low so crossing was easy:
DSC_0037 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we head up Coire Leathad an Tobair, way behind us Creah Dhubh Mhor, northern top of our final Munro Maoile Lunddaidh can be seen sticking out and our descent path will take us down the side of the burn on the right:
DSC_0040 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Two more Corbetts up ahead as we continue making fast progress on the good paths, you can't beat being surround by giants like this. Beinn Tarsuinn sticking out back left and Sgurr na Feartaig on the right:
DSC_0041 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now it's about time for a disclaimer...:
DSC_0043 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It looks like a cracking day, the sun is out, the sky is blue... what the images do not convey is the brutal 45mph winds that were now pretty constant after staying calm for the first half hour of the walk. Getting higher up should make things interesting!

Almost at Bealach Bhearnais:
DSC_0047 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back down Coire Leathad an Tobair to Sgurr nan Ceanneaichean:
DSC_0052 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Three Munro lumps in a row, our route ahead and back via the Glen:
DSC_0055 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

On reaching the Bealach Bhearnais our first treat is a cracking view over to Skye to the south west:
DSC_0056 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Cuillin:
DSC_0057 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

To be honest at the Bealach you feel like you could run up and bag the two neighbouring Corbetts with ease but Munros are our target today plus we're in the wilds of Monar, so it's best to not bite off more than we can chew and stick to the plan. Doing these two Corbetts looks like a great walk though, one to return for another day.

Sgurr Choinnich invites us up and promises some minor scrambling, excellent an added bonus we were not expecting!
DSC_0064 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view south also opens up to reveal Lurg Mhor on the right and the Corbett top of Sgurr Choinnich - Sgurr na Conbhaire:
DSC_0071 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As we ascend again some Fannichs come into view to the north east:
DSC_0074 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now the fun begins!
DSC_0077 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Scramble 1:
DSC_0084 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Over all too quickly, but the view back to Beinn Tarsuinn has improved and the fantastic looking shark fin summit of Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich is now in view back left:
DSC_0090 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr na Feartaig looking back to the right:
DSC_0091 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Scramble 2 up next:
DSC_0095 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Short and enjoyable, it's always great getting hands on with the hill:
IMG_20190413_123834 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The final scramble takes us up some nice layered slabs of rock:
DSC_0096 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Not long to go until the summit now and Iain poses in front of the Fisherfield Hills and An Teallach to the far north:
DSC_0100 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's the first time i've seen these hills in the flesh so i'm buzzing and the buzz will only get better once we reach the summit:
DSC_0104 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Slioch now in view as we finish the third scramble:
DSC_0106 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The final section before the summit area:
DSC_0127 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

IMG_20190413_125832 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

On our right to the south, Lurg Mhor dominates the view and it's one we have our eye on for another trip north soon:
DSC_0129 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

the star of the show so far is definitely Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich, it looks tremendous:
DSC_0132 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

What we were not enjoying by this point was the incessant wind of which you can view a sample of in this video:

DSC_0135 by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

I ended up giving up filming with the DSLR as it was too much of a struggle to keep it steady, especially when zoomed in!

As we reached the summit area we were treated to a brilliant view of Sgurr Choinnich summit and Sgurr a' Chaorachain along the ridge:
DSC_0143 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain was now in his element and rather keen to reach the summit of his first new Munro in almost 6 years!
IMG_20190413_132149 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Distant Skye again:
DSC_0154 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view was breathtaking all around and right next door the big hills south of Glen Torridon looked very impressive:
DSC_0155 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At long last, I see the big grey one for the first time:
DSC_0156 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

And the even bigger, greyer one!
DSC_0157 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

North to An Teallach and co:
DSC_0159 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

North east to the Fannichs beyond Moruisg:
DSC_0161 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0162 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Pose first then you can go to the summit:
DSC_0163 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

And he's off!
DSC_0164 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Not quite Sgurr Choinnich summit:
IMG_20190413_132900 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr Choinnich summit:
DSC_0177 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

North to Sgurr nan Ceannaichean and Moruisg:
DSC_0179 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A summit video to highlight the view and wind!
IMG_20190413_133257 4K by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

Munro number one done, Munro two straight ahead:
DSC_0180 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's just a short walk along to the path down to Bealach Coire Choinnich:
DSC_0187 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At last the elusive Loch Monar comes into view:
DSC_0189 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Remote and untouched, the way our hills and landscape should remain but how long until the splatter more hydro stations everywhere else now, seeing that Glen Etive isn't even sacred?!
DSC_0191 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A top too far... we decided that tops were not a priority today, best left to Al and co., plus I like leaving the occasional feature or top so I have something new to visit the next time I walk in the area:
DSC_0193 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to Sgurr Choinnich summit, Liathach and Beinn Eighe dominating the view north west:
DSC_0194 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Despite still being constantly battered by the gale force winds we were loving the walk and view and our down jackets were working brilliantly to keep us cosy and protected:
DSC_0201 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We decided to stop just down from the summit for our lunch and a closer look at our surroundings in as much shelter as we could find.

Liathach:
DSC_0208 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Mullach an Rathain and the northern pinnacles, wow!
DSC_0209 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Spidean a' Choire Leith:
DSC_0211 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0213 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Eigh, what a beast of a mountain range:
DSC_0215 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach the bealach and start the ascent of Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0229 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back at Sgurr Choinnich, lovely:
DSC_0232 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We spotted another walker, well a fell runner surprisingly! No matter where you are, how remote, or how high, there is always a fell runner that will breeze past you and make your long hike and climb seem like nothing!

We chatted about the walk and view, he was doing our route in reverse, here he is jogging away again:
DSC_0240 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The wind was still brutal and below is another video from the ascent to highlight it, we were both almost blown off our feet at one point so took care not to venture too close to the edge of the ridge:
IMG_20190413_142412 4K by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

Some more minor scrambling:
DSC_0242 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Towards the summit of Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0244 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We were making fairly good progress and on schedule and the view was to die for:
DSC_0248 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Distant Torridon:
DSC_0250 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our running friend on the way up Sgurr Choinnich, can you spot him? Some impressive cornicing at the summit ridge can be seen here and we sensibly avoided it on the way along off the summit:
DSC_0252 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Yet more hands on work, another pleasant surprise:
DSC_0256 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Approaching the surprisingly rounded summit of Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
IMG_20190413_144517_1 by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

We are greeted by a large cairn shelter and this being the highest of the the 3 Munros at 1053m meant we had little around us to obstruct the view and it was immense!
IMG_20190413_144711_1 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich again, I couldn't resist:
DSC_0260 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Torridon giants, it's hard to take your eyes off them:
DSC_0265 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The big ones again:
DSC_0267 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Slioch and the Fisherfield Forest:
DSC_0270 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view north and west...
DSC_0271 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We now had a choice as we both really wanted to include the top Bidean an Eoin Dearg (or the mountain of Iain's red peak as my horrible attempt at a Gaelic name description went ) but it would add an extra hour to our day and with sunset around 9pm we were keen to avoid finishing the walk using head torches if possible. Add in a long drive home after our late finish and we settled on leaving it for another day.

So it was off down the northern ridge we went down on to Sron na Frianich while enjoying the view of Moruisg and it's large ridge line stretching out to the north east:
DSC_0272 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

This section of the walk would again provide plenty of visual delights and a fair few large snow patches:
DSC_0274 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Down to our right is the way ahead and our final Munro / Marilyn target for the day: Maoile Lunddaidh and Creag Toll a' Choin - now the highest point of the mountain by just 30cm (1 foot) following a resurvey in 2014. Of the 3 summit lumps the foreground is the top Carn nam Fiaclan, 12m above to the right is Creag Toll a' Choin and in the back left is the Munro Maoile Lunddaidh:
DSC_0276 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I haven't mentioned the brutal 45mph winds for a while but just to remind you, there was a lot of swearing happening regularly as we were constantly buffeted and I swear every time I prepared to take a photo an extra strong gust would appear just to try and put me off balance!

Here are two videos, the first from the DSLR showing how hard it was to zoom and keep the camera steady:
DSC_0277 by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

The second is from my camera phone in 4K:
IMG_20190413_150240 4K by Chris Mac, on Flickr
VIDEO

Here is Iain posing in front of Lochan Gainmeanhach with Bidean an Eoin Dearg looking superb and pointy behind him. Please take the time to zoom in and check the expression on Iain's wind battered face to go with his stance!
DSC_0286 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Stunning:
DSC_0287 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The ripples on the Lochan indicae that it is still very windy!
DSC_0289 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Naturally we were now slightly regretting missing out on Bidean an Eoin Dearg:
DSC_0298 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain spotted a toad and we would soon find some spawn down at Drochaid Mullaich:
DSC_0301 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

IMG_20190413_152414 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Loving our surroundings:
DSC_0302 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We now had a fair slog ahead to get up Carn nam Fiaclan and a vague path would appear and vanish sporadically:
DSC_0305 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It was still very windy!!
DSC_0307 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The way we came down:
DSC_0308 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The way ahead:
DSC_0311 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another thing to point out with the high winds was that our final Marilyn Munro was essentally a Meall, a big rounded hill, which would mean no protection from the gusts! Damn you fell runner, you definitely went the right way and he even said that he chose the clockwise route so the wind would be behind him to help him on the ascent!

On our right as we slowly slog our way upwards is Loch Mhuilich with Sgurr na Lapaich back right:
DSC_0312 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's hard to take our eyes off Iain's pointy red peak!
DSC_0313 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

hHe view down Srath Mhuilich as we ascend:
DSC_0316 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The first and steepest part of the ascent of Maoile Lunndaidh/Creag Toll a' Choin done it's now fairly easy going along to the Munro top of Carn nam Fiaclan:
DSC_0317 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view north on the left:
DSC_0325 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We decide to stop first for our tea time break since it will only get windier and more exposed the higher we go:
IMG_20190413_160507 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view south:
DSC_0331 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

You can't beat a quality view for dinner:
DSC_0335 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Refuelled and having shared a few moans about aching quads, calves knees between us it's time to set off again over this rocky section which makes the Maoile more interesting. In fact for a big round hill it's full of surprises with lots of hidden corries, cliffs and waterfalls:
DSC_0338 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Before we steam on into the wind it's time for a final few shots of the impressive Sgurr a' Chaorachain from this side:
DSC_0339 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain with his peak which, we never made it to!
DSC_0341 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The way ahead, varied at least compared to a lot of rounded grassy hills i've explored:
DSC_0345 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We're now high enough to see over Loch Mhuilich to Loch Monar:
DSC_0346 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A rocky Meall? Whatever next. This final section was tough going as it got a little steeper again and the grass was covered with snow patches, one of which I found myself struggling through briefly before following Iain's rockier route:
DSC_0348 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Munro top summit reached at last as Iain points out the Marilyn summit - the Munro summit will come last:
DSC_0349 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It doesn't take long to reach Marilyn Creag Toll a' Choin. Looking west and it's superb:
DSC_0352 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

SWgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0354 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lurg Mhor now looking quite different from much further along:
DSC_0355 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Still being battered by the wind I manage to snap a good few shots of the view looking south:
DSC_0356 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0357 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0358 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

South east Loch Monar is in view again beyond the crags:
DSC_0361 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Directly east are the nice looking Strathfarrar Munros:
DSC_0365 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

This mountain is full of surprises, another cornice. Ahead is Maoile Lunddaidh's large summit cairn:
DSC_0366 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Thankfully it's a very easy stroll along to the final Munro of the day, the legs were getting a wee bit tired but luckily no more major ascents, just the small matter of a very long descent and return walk back to the v an:
DSC_0368 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain going for it, a third new Munro in a day, he was buzzing! Now just 14 left:
DSC_0370 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At last the summit view from maoile Lunddaidh, looking back at Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0374 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Southern Torridon Munros and Corbetts:
DSC_0376 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Liathach and Beinn Eighe both much further away than when we first saw them earlier on:
DSC_0378 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We enjoyed another break to take in the view before we lost it again. It was glorious and we had just enough shelter from the 45mph winds, remember them? They were still with us just in case you had forgotten!

Right, it is now time to get off this lump so we head down the north west ridge towards the Allt an Fhuar-Thuill Mhor:
DSC_0383 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A final view of ther Fisherfield Forest and An Teallach as we traverse yet another snow drift:
DSC_0385 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Cheerio Torridon giants, it's great to finally have seen you:
DSC_0388 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Although pathless and a little steep in places we took our time and made our way down the hillside of grass, rocks, snow, burns and boulders:
DSC_0390 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another impressive corrie:
DSC_0391 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Further down we could make out a path, woohoo, it diodn't take long to reach:
IMG_20190413_180942 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We pass a lovely waterfall, no doubt the point of the path to take visitors up to see it:
DSC_0400 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The landscape continued to surprise:
DSC_0405 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another scenic waterfall further down:
DSC_0415 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The path we were following sort of vanished, or we came off it and we found ourselvs at a steep ravine section but it was fairly straightforward to follow the Allt an Fhuar-Thuill Mhor downhill:
DSC_0417 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our path started again so we followed it on the east side of the burn, yet the OS map said the path should be on the other side:
IMG_20190413_184222 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We made our way down but couldn't see the ford so with boots on I just waded across with no problems. Iain however, was wearing trail shoes and didn't fancy wet feet! A few failed attempts at crossing later and he just took them off and waded across!
DSC_0419 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The view back up the glen was brilliant but it was also a long way in the distance, and we had to walk it!
DSC_0423 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back at Maoile Lunddaidh and our route down, a cracking looking hill for a big round lump:
DSC_0424 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0426 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Only about 17km to get back to the start now:
DSC_0428 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We crossed and found the path at Coire-beithe:
DSC_0430 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0432 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Making progress on the path:
DSC_0433 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sunset down Gleann Fhiodhaig:
DSC_0434 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A panorama of the three Munros we conquered today:
IMG_20190413_190353 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We soon reach Glenuaig Lodge and pass the small shelter hut for hillwalkers, that's nice of them although we joke that it was no doubt prompted after yet another quiet winter evening in front of the fire was interrupted by lost walkers descending on them, drinking their whisky and eating their food. You could only handle that a few times, best to make them a shed outside!
DSC_0436 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our progress was surprisingly fast as we walked and walked along the track, at least the going was easy underfoot now:
DSC_0439 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Walking...
DSC_0442 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Walking...
DSC_0443 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It was still very windy just so you know!

Passing Sgurr Choinnich:
DSC_0444 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now passing Sgurr nan Ceannaichean:
IMG_20190413_195746 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It was now 8pm so it looked like we would be back just before it got dark, perfect. Still a long way to go however!
IMG_20190413_200121 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sunset over the souther Torridon giants:
IMG_20190413_201228 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I'm looking forward to climbing these hills, they look superb:
IMG_20190413_201237 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

They continue to entice on the walk back to the van:
IMG_20190413_202343 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Well done Iain, 3 new Munros in the bag at last!
IMG_20190413_203455 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The track downhill back to Craig car park seemed to take twice as long as it did heading uphill this morning but we eventually reached and crossed the railway and A890.

As we approached the van Iain suddenly got worried... "oh no... OH NO!"

Confused I looked over and saw his van. What's the problem? Then I spotted what Iain had seen, the stereo light was on!!

Iain had accidentally left it on and we both looked at each other when he tried to start the van and it chugged then stopped.

He tried again and it roared into life "Yaaass!" we both cried, what a lucky escape, we don't have to be stuck in the wilds of Monar for the night!

We peeled off our socks and got unpacked then set off for the long drive back home, returning at half 1 in the morning. I was informed the following day that we had an even closer shave, as that next morning the gear box in the van had packed in!!!

So that was my introduction into the North West Highlands and my first walk north of the Great Glen. It may not have been some of the better known hills but you can't beat a bit of the Loch Monar wilderness and mountains as an introduction as they provide a great and tempting view of the bigger hills all around you and the scenery both near and far is excellent.

The best moment for me was on the drive back when I said to Iain did he realise he'll get to log on to Walkhighlands and turn three Munro balloons blue for the first time in years. The smile that came across his face was priceless as the realisation that he was back on the Munro trail and once again exploring new mountains washed over him. Well worth the very early start, long day walking and long walk back! Thanks again for driving, see you for more of the same this next weekend!

[iainwatson]

Superb report
Brilliant day,fantastic area and well worth the long day
Shame it was slightly breezy

[gammy leg walker]

Superb report
Brilliant day,fantastic area and well worth the long day
Shame it was slightly breezy

Thought you couldn't be bothered

See you both next weekend,for another epic 2 day's

[martin.h]

What a fantastic account of a great day out, Chris, I bet you're both still buzzing (and windswept )
Excellent photo's, they make me want to be there
Cheers.

[spiderwebb]

Great report of great hills, and brilliant photos Try Lurg Mhor and 'Cheesecake' from Craig too, fantastic day out

[Chris Mac]

Superb report
Brilliant day,fantastic area and well worth the long day
Shame it was slightly breezy

Cheers - i'll be making sure I add "checking the van stereo hasn't been left on" before we set off in future!

Thought you couldn't be bothered

See you both next weekend,for another epic 2 day's

He was injured but the quad held up well!

I can't wait, hopefully it won't be so windy this time!

What a fantastic account of a great day out, Chris, I bet you're both still buzzing (and windswept )
Excellent photo's, they make me want to be there
Cheers.

Thanks Martin we are indeed, heading back up that way this weekend which should be good! It's a lovely area.

Great report of great hills, and brilliant photos Try Lurg Mhor and 'Cheesecake' from Craig too, fantastic day out

Cheers that's our plan for this Friday, Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich looks superb and I can't wait to be on the tiny summit!