Return to the Magnificiant Munro's of Monar via Bendronaig

[Chris Mac]

Bidein-a-Choire-Sheasgaich--Lurg-Mhor-Bendronaig Bothy-Attadale.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

Just a few weeks earlier Iain and I had explored lonely Loch Monar and enjoyed a long 33km, 10.5hr, 45mph hike climbing Sgurr Choinnich, Sgurr a' Chaorachain & Maol Lunndaidh north of Loch Monar, giving us superb views of neighbouring Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich & Lurg Mhor.

Iain had hinted at a possible return towards the end of the month to climb those two and continue his quest to finish the Munros this year after about a 5 year absence bagging new ones. Looking at "Don't call it Cheescake's" brilliant pointy summit from the north, and the Big Shin's, well... big shin, I said it was definitely happeneing and booked off the Friday of the 26th April, a vital requirement at this early stage of Bothy Trip planning.

Lurg Mhor also reminded me of Cir Mhor, the Big Comb of Arran and the classic pointy pyramid Corbett hidden amongest the taller Arran Corbetts but in reality the hidden gem. The more I walk the more I enjoy the Gaelic names for hills and their meanings, nobody told me that hillwalking would lead to me learning a new language, conveniently the one also used by many of the wee folk! Go n-éirí an bóthar leat is a polite way to greet one of them just so you know. Respect of them and nature should always be a given. Don't litter!

Anyway after a surprisingly early night on the Thursday, I was afforded a few hours sleep before a dream about Iain picking up Jonathan and I at 4am and driving us to Falkirk happened. The next thing I knew it was like a nightmare, two bald guys had kidnapped Iain and I who were in the back seat and being whisked up north again to the Loch Monar/Strathcarron area!
20190426_090916 by Chris Mac, on Flickr



We stopped off in Inverness again for supplies and a hearty breakfast, after all we had a big day ahead of us so the more fuel the better. Soon we were passing Achnasheen again and heading for Loch Carron, this time Attadale was the start point further down the road.

We parked at 10am, not a bad start considering the journey began south of Glasgow. Iain and Johnnie then took turns adjusting Willie's rear end.... best not to ask, these guys have been walking for years, who knows what other strange pre-walk rituals they have?!
DSC_0004 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

In classic bothy trip style with bags attached to bags (Iain would later comment on this and resolve to just take his bigger rucksack the next time!) we were soon off along the road past Attadale Gardens:
DSC_0006 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

In the distance we can make out the track snaking up the hillside:
DSC_0009 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Spirits were high and the early pace was good:
DSC_0014 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Behind us The Applecross Corbett Sgurr a' Chaorachain, not to be confused with the Munro of the same name that we climbed last month, was looking lovely in the morning light:
DSC_0017 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

After around an hour of walking we were now gaining height and would continue to do so for a good while:
DSC_0040 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Up and up and left and up...
DSC_0045 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Bhan now in view behind it, the Corbetts at Applecross look superb:
DSC_0066 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Further to the right from the Corbetts the tops of South Torridon's An Ruadh-stac and Maol Chean-Dearg are standing out
DSC_0067 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We walk and walk, continuing uphill along the track, enjoying good banter on the way:
DSC_0068 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It would be easy to only post a few photos from this long walk in to Bendronaig Bothy but I feel that the images will help convey the distance walked as it's a good 13km to get there, dump the bags, then you sitll need to reach the bottom of the 2 Munros to climb them both!

Luckily it's a good track even if it massively scars the hillside it's gouged out of:
DSC_0073 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

An Ruadh-stac and Maol Chean-Dearg:
DSC_0080 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Still going, yup that's the track way above us, still climbing!
DSC_0083 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Mountain mules in action:
DSC_0086 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Still going, approaching the Lord of the Rings pass:
DSC_0093 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A decent picnic spot:
DSC_0095 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Hike hike, sweat sweat:
DSC_0101 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At long last we reach the high point of the path and our two targets can be seen in the distance... waaay in the distance!
DSC_0102 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich (L) and Lurg Mhor (R) looking quite different from the south compared to our view of them from the north last month:
DSC_0104 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

At this point Willie spotted a large rock/table and insisted we helped him out by lowering the weight of his supplies! Iain's face says it all... #athletes.
DSC_0107 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Of course it came as no surprise that just as the cans were opened, two experienced mountaineers cycling back from the Bothy came into view that the guys all knew: David Sothern and Derek Wardlaw. I'll be honest, at first I thought Cameron McNeish had split into two people!
DSC_0113 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We stayed and blethered for a bit, got violated with a group selfie then said our cheerio's and headed off again.

Full steam ahead now:
DSC_0118 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0129 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

After a while we can make out the bothy way down below in the distance and I recall a walk report stating that we still had at least another 40 minutes to reach it now:
DSC_0144 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Twisting and turning, Beinn Dronaig now in view, the Corbett that the Bothy gets its name from:
DSC_0160 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I did actually plan to ascend this bulky hill during our visit but time and energy later on would be a factor that resulted in it not happening. I'll just need to retun for another visit in the future.

Edging ever closer:
DSC_0170 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rain now coming in:
DSC_0174 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

With Beinn Dronaig on our right, the view left is taken up by the large, sprawling Sub2000 Marilyn Creag Dhubh Mhor:
DSC_0175 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A bit drizzly up ahead:
DSC_0178 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The rain didn't last or reach us, result, whlie the scenery continued to impress as we walked alongside the Black Water/Uisge Dubh:
DSC_0184 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

In the distance we could make out a very large herd of deer and they didn't look too fussed at our arrival. We would later find out that they were being fed so had no interest in escaping from us. They probably don't see that many people out in the wilds of Monar anyway, or so I thought at first as it turns out to be a fairly popular place:
DSC_0188 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Creag Dhubh Mhor looks a cracker, again I was tempted to visit it but when you've got heavy bags with Bothy supplies and 3 others with you that aren't so keen then it's also best kept for another day:
DSC_0192 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The final stretch at last:
DSC_0194 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lodge and Bothy up ahead but we're only using it for a quick pit stop first to dump the bags, we've still got two mountains to climb after this:
DSC_0195 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Highland Deer, not quite as hairy as their Highland Cow counterparts:
DSC_0199 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We're there as Gammy makes a run for it!
DSC_0203 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0206 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The leisurely approach:
DSC_0208 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Behind the bulk of Sail Riabach on the left is another Corbett called Beinn Tarsuinn (Transverse Hill) sharing the same name as Arran's third highest and most underrated peak:
DSC_0211 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We enter the Bothy and a girl is already staying in one room, we say hi and dump our bags in the other two rooms, then say cheerio and head out again, all of us now with smaller rucksacks including a neat wee purple one Iain borrowed from his daughter.

Pit stop done, load lightened, off we go again, it's mountain time:
DSC_0214 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back to the walk in/out and Creag Dhubh Mhor:
DSC_0216 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Wallking machines:
DSC_0218 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

During the long walk in I had mentioned the shoogly bridge not long after the Bothy and we soon reached this comedy landmark:
DSC_0219 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our way ahead:
DSC_0223 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach the shoogly bridge, even though there is a perfectly good bigger track bridge right next to it, but we're men of action, thrill seekers, we like our danger! Gammy goes for it:
DSC_0224 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Johnnie then comes running over telling tales of hilarious burn dunkings being filmed:
20190426_135625 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our manufactured fear isn't up to much when I shake the bridge as Willie crosses over effortlessly. We pause to contemplate our options...
DSC_0241 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We decide to make use of the track as much as we can and head up Coire Calavie between the two Munros then summit each one and return the same way. Iain and I would probably have done it differently but that would definitely have involved finding steep scrambles and more exposed ridges to play on, we temper our usual craziness for today.

Heading up Coire na Sorna:
DSC_0243 by djchrismac, on Flickr

DSC_0245 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Heading towards Loch Calavie:
DSC_0254 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Ha, good luck finding a path up Beinn Dronaig!
DSC_0257 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Clowns of Loch Calavie:
DSC_0259 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Distant Sgurr na Lapaich and An Riabhachan:
DSC_0261 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach Loch Calavie:
20190426_144658 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's quite warm now and we've got the main ascent ahead up Coire Calavie:
DSC_0264 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

So we decide to ventilate, Beinn Dronaig providing the backdrop:
DSC_0267 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We stick to the left of the Allt Coire Calavie finding and losing a path continually, or maybe there just never was one! It's a plodding grassy ascent:
DSC_0271 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Some Loch Mullardoch Munros to the south of us:
DSC_0272 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Navigating our way uphill:
DSC_0278 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

More distant hills:
DSC_0296 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

More slogging our way up grassy slopes!
DSC_0299 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Getting there, phew!
DSC_0305 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We have a quick break and Willie suggests doing Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich first. Looking over to Lurg Mhor, don't see much of a path:
DSC_0310 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The slog uphill continues but luckily it's not too steep or wet, although grassy slopes definitely aren't to everyone's tastes:
DSC_0321 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Another breather, Lurg Mhor starting to look pretty good next door:
DSC_0326 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Further south the weather begins to turn... we may now be on a time limit:
DSC_0327 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It gets a little rockier as we approach the first Munro summit:
DSC_0337 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0341 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking south west, rays of sunlight through a cloud illuminate a small lochan:
DSC_0346 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Getting there:
DSC_0355 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Quick lads, this view may not last!
DSC_0359 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The north west has now opened out and it's a cracking view over to Sgurr Choinnich, Sgurr a' Chaorachain and Loch Monar:
DSC_0369 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Monar looking a bit small:
DSC_0370 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0371 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rain still threatening, we've just the final section to the summit of Munro number 1 for the day:
DSC_0376 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

As I head up a Ptarmigan pops into view, I usually see them too late and this one's in half winter, half summer camo but still very well hidden amongst the rocks and grass:
DSC_0384 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

A rainbow over at East Monar Forest and the Strathfarrar Munros:
DSC_0392 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lurg Mhor from the summit of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, what a grand pointy viewpoint this is:
DSC_0393 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain looking at our route a few weeks ago and looking snazzy with Holly's wee bag:
DSC_0396 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Three stooges on a summit:
DSC_0399 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

With the weather closing i'm quite glad we've gone to Bidein first as we'll get a better view west, starting with Applecross:
DSC_0401 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

South Torridon giants:
DSC_0405 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0406 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Hikers mecca:
DSC_0408 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The big ones:
DSC_0409 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0411 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Eighe:
DSC_0412 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Slioch and Fisherfield Forest:
DSC_0414 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0415 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Tarsuinn down below:
DSC_0417 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Fannaichs to the north east:
DSC_0420 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr Choinnich's enjoyable ridge:
DSC_0422 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0425 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Bidean an Eoin Dearg, Iain and I are convinced that it looks higher than the actual summit from every angle, we demand a re-survey!
DSC_0427 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Rain at distant Strathfarrar:
DSC_0429 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lurg Mhor, I like it:
DSC_0431 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking south, mountain views in all directions and I know so few of them, loads of new ones to learn and meet!
DSC_0438 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0440 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Still enjoying the summit:
DSC_0442 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking across to Skye, unfortunately not much of it to be seen today:
DSC_0443 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It's time for us to head back down and tackle Lurg Mhor from the Bhealach:
DSC_0447 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We find a decent path now:
DSC_0455 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Travelling light, although knowing Johnnie he's probably got a large bag of red wine in his bag, that's how he keeps going!
DSC_0468 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Looking back at what we've just come down:
DSC_0469 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich and Beinn Tarsuinn:
DSC_0472 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It started to get a little drizzly now as rain and low clouds threatened to engulf Lurg Mhor, hold hoooold, just wait a little longer please!
20190426_171841 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We managed to stay on the path for once and continued through the boulder field flank of the Munro which also involved a few steeper sections and scrambling, sweet:
20190426_173856 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Not long until the summit now:
20190426_173906 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20190426_174613 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Spread out:
20190426_174617 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Final path section:
20190426_175338 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Summit area:
20190426_175554 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I leave the others at the summit to go and quickly check out the ridge along to Meall Mor in case I can add it in:
20190426_175840 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

20190426_180150 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I reach it covered in clouds, then it clears quickly:
DSC_0474 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The ridge looks superb, not a straightforward stroll. I'm conscious of leaving the others with the weather closing, darkness not too far away, the long day so far and the long walk back to the Bothy. Dammit why don't we have longer out here?!
DSC_0475 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The surrounding view clears more so I take a few photos as I head back to the summit:
DSC_0476 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0477 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

South:
DSC_0479 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

South west and Beinn Dronaig:
DSC_0485 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Waaay down below I can make out Bendronaig Bothy and the track we arrived on, seemingly millions of miles away, this will be a long descent!
DSC_0487 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

With still no summit view Lurg Mhor has made my list of Munros that owe me a view, so i'm now duty bound to return again on a nicer day sometime in the future:
DSC_0488 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I catch up with the others who aren't far ahead and we head back down the way we came up:
DSC_0495 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, a quality mountain and viewpoint:
DSC_0496 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We were all feeling it a bit by this point but took care descending, we had to, the views were still brilliant:
DSC_0517 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0522 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0524 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Random scattering:
DSC_0527 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Johnnie:
DSC_0530 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Back down we go:
DSC_0532 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Our recent route up the hills to the north is now cloud covered:
DSC_0547 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain and Willie trying to find the poles Iain jettisoned here earlier:
DSC_0560 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0561 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Got them:
DSC_0563 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Time for a wee down scramble:
DSC_0564 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach the top of the Allt Coire Calavie and Iain and I bound off down the hillside:
DSC_0577 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Tops hiding under clouds everywhere now:
DSC_0578 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Loch Calavie:
DSC_0579 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Beinn Dronaig, yeah I may give this a miss right now!
DSC_0584 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The older knees take their time:
DSC_0586 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Nice shoreline:
DSC_0589 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We reach the Loch and relax for a bit until the others catch up, reflecting on a brilliant day out at Loch Monar once again:
DSC_0592 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The Graham An Cruachan, shapely:
DSC_0593 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lurg Mhor's grassy, slopey side, the break of the wave and craggy cliffs are on the other side as seen a few weeks ago:
DSC_0594 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain and Loch Calavie:
DSC_0602 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Iain and Willie set off at pace which might have had something to do with the thought of food and alcohol...
DSC_0612 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

I did the gentlemanly thing and waited for Johnnie to catch up, he was hurting, so were my feet!
DSC_0620 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

It did make for good photos with them on the path as Johnnie and I enjoyed a right good blether about all sorts and laughed and joked out way along, with the occasional grimace of pain and sigh of "will this path never end?!" as often happens in these situations :
DSC_0625 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We didn't like this section of the walk from Loch Calavie back to the Bothy, either we experienced missing time (no wee folk about that we saw) or it took a lot longer to walk downhill in some weird Loch Monar/Electric Brae type freak event.

At long last the Bothy was within touching distance:
DSC_0638 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The big black craggy hill was still providing a great Marilyn backdrop to the west:
DSC_0642 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We arrived at the Bothy to find it mobbed! 4 hikers doing the Cape Wrath trail would now be staying and were playing a card game around the main table. We said hi and went about peeling off socks, having food, changing, I dunked my feet in the cold stream outside, bliss! Then Johnnie did what he does best and offered around some red wine to break the ice, he had carried a bag in!

I had some 18 year old Arran Single Malt, before you know it we were enjoying a few tipples and Kev from the Cape Wrath group, who was from the North of England and walking the trail with 3 friends who work together in London and loving it so far, he also happened to love the Whisky which went down a treat!

Johnnie told some cracking stories about falling in burns and being filmed, we all shared tales of Bothy stays and adventures climbing various hills, it was a great laugh. Before long it was really dark outside and a few others had snuck off to bed leaving just the insomniac remnants to finish off the tales and drinks before heading for bed.

Just like the morning before an earlier than expected rise was unexpected. Iain said the other two had already left to head back to the car, that kind of put us in a position of catching up with them if we wanted to not be stranded up north!

There went any ideas of a nice lazy Bothy morning, fire on, breakfast outside, leasuirely stroll back... we packed up and grumpily left the Bothy behind, ensuring we had tidied up everything after ourselves. We had also left our bags of wood as it had been quite mild during the night so we never even used the wood we carried in for a fire!

It only took a few minutes of walking along the road to realise that it was a lovely still morning and i'd have to unpack the big camera again:
DSC_0645 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The new, ugly hydro station even looked half decent on reflection:
DSC_0646 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Much better:
DSC_0649 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

The marvellous mountains of Monar:
DSC_0650 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sunrise over Lurg Mhor:
DSC_0663 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Morning and evening light is definitely the best for pictures:
DSC_0664 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

In the distance we could finally make out two specs:
DSC_0666 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Probably due to having lighter packs and starting higher up, in no time we were back up at the high point of the path again, looking back at the two Munros we had conquered the day before:
DSC_0668 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Now we just have this big long twisty track back downhill to contend with:
DSC_0675 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

More unkonwn distant hills, it's only my second visit up here, i'll get them learnt!
DSC_0679 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0681 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Catching up:
DSC_0683 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0691 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Johnnie down below:
DSC_0692 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Applecross and Lochcarron come into view again, stunning:
DSC_0693 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

DSC_0702 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We pass a stag up the hillside on our left, showing off his antlers, then as we continue descending the peaks of south Strathcarron and southern Torridon slowly disappear from view. Luckily the Applecross Corbetts Sgurr a Chaorachain and Beinn Bhan both continue to show off in the morning light thanks to the configuration of surrounding hills framing them nicely:
DSC_0720 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Battle weary troops but well timed brekkie snacks on the way along keep us going as does the thought of the car, and the view:
DSC_0722 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Lochcarron is a looker that's for sure:
DSC_0724 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

By now shortcuts were taken wherever possible!
DSC_0730 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

On good tarmac again at last:
DSC_0737 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Sgurr a' Chaorachain:
DSC_0738 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Willie: "The sight of the car is a beautiful thing":
DSC_0742 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We've made it! We check out our route on the board:
20190427_091113 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

Gammy then shows us his Gammy bag! Brilliant!
20190427_140507 by Chris Mac, on Flickr

We changed and sat down, what an adventure! Two Munros and 29.1km in 10.15hrs day 1, 12.2km in just under 3 hours day 2. In total 23 hours including the Bothy overnight, 41.3km walking over 13.05 hours. We were shattered. Now thoughts turned to a tradition when this lot are up north around Inverness, a Burger King for the road!

I've never ordered so much from Burger King before and I ate the lot!

The drive down was fine, less chat than the way up due to us all being tired and thanks to Willie for the driving, being able to snooze in the back was a great luxury for me!

We got dropped off at Iain's van by Willie's house, said cheerio then it was back to the south side of the City of Glasgow to recover, eat, sleep and relax. Not for long though, I was away down to Arran the following day for a week then I'd be climbing Beinn Bhuidhe on the Saturday next week!

Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich and Lurg Mhor was a grand day out up two lovely mountains in great company and Bendronaig Bothy was great too, i'm looking forward to returning to the wilds of Monar, Lochcarron and Attadale again.

[jonny616]

Great report of our fantastic trip. Love the photos, really capture how bloody long that track is.

[spiderwebb]

A cracking few days there you guys I must say the pic of the view from the high point on that track to the target munros, they seemed a loooong way off, jeez. That plus the track, although it makes for good progress, yuk I think my route in from Craig near Achnaslellach is better, not least as the distance to that bothy is not much different to the distance from Craig to the base of Sheasgaich.
Either way its a big day, took me over 13 hours, in winter boots, and I was knackered, but I recall a huge smile on my face as I walked the last leg out under a clear starry sky, most definitely one you'll remember, well done

[al78]

A beautiful remote area, you were fortunate the rain largely missed you and the cloud stayed above the summits long enough for you to enjoy the views. If I'd have done that route, I'd have spent most of the return journey wishing I had a bicycle, long walks back on hard tracks can be very footsore (not so bad when you have scenery like that to admire as a distraction), and it would be great to leisurely pedal/freewheel back.

[iainwatson]

Brilliant report and cracking pics of a fantastic trip which was all the better for the company

[dogplodder]

Enjoyed that..... and if I never get to walk it myself at least I now know what the route looks like with such brilliant footage!

[BlackPanther]

Fantastic. Will be very helpful for us so thank you for the detailed report. We're planning the very same route this summer, as these are the last two Munros north of Inverness still on our to-do list. We might take bikes though, depends if we fancy an overnighter on a day trip. Thanks again

[rockhopper]

Nice report, looked an enjoyable trip - I do like the hills around here with a few ways to approach.
Good idea about using the bothy so as not to have to walk out the same day. It's a good track but can remember there were a lot of groundworks and I think they were were building a new estate lodge up near Loch an Laoigh a couple of years ago. Thanks

PS ever thought about getting one of these ?

[Coop]

Fantastic report and pics of 2 I've still to get on as well..
Choices choices now.
Walk in and stay at the bothy overnight and do the hills next day.
Or walk in and do the hills and overnight in the bothy as you did.
Cheers again for the great report

[Huff_n_Puff]

Brilliant - fantastic photos - and so timely, how did you know I'd need this report for my own adventures this year

But seriously this is so helpful - Dogplodder are you up for it??

[gammy leg walker]

Nice report, looked an enjoyable trip - I do like the hills around here with a few ways to approach.
Good idea about using the bothy so as not to have to walk out the same day. It's a good track but can remember there were a lot of groundworks and I think they were were building a new estate lodge up near Loch an Laoigh a couple of years ago. Thanks

PS ever thought about getting one of these ?

21 - Achnashellach 18,19apr2014.JPG

No!!!!!!!

[Chris Mac]

Great report of our fantastic trip. Love the photos, really capture how bloody long that track is.

Cheers Jonny, yeah got some good shots of us all and aye it's one long track!!

A cracking few days there you guys I must say the pic of the view from the high point on that track to the target munros, they seemed a loooong way off, jeez. That plus the track, although it makes for good progress, yuk I think my route in from Craig near Achnaslellach is better, not least as the distance to that bothy is not much different to the distance from Craig to the base of Sheasgaich.
Either way its a big day, took me over 13 hours, in winter boots, and I was knackered, but I recall a huge smile on my face as I walked the last leg out under a clear starry sky, most definitely one you'll remember, well done

Thanks very much mate, yeah that was unexpected for me, I couldn't believe how far away they looked! It certainly was a memorable trip to a lovely part of the country.

A beautiful remote area, you were fortunate the rain largely missed you and the cloud stayed above the summits long enough for you to enjoy the views. If I'd have done that route, I'd have spent most of the return journey wishing I had a bicycle, long walks back on hard tracks can be very footsore (not so bad when you have scenery like that to admire as a distraction), and it would be great to leisurely pedal/freewheel back.

We were, it seemed to pass us by for the most part except when we were at the summit of Lurg Mhor of course!

You should have heard some of our chat on the track back about hiring huskies and a sled the next time, amongst other long track/bothy supplies solutions.

Brilliant report and cracking pics of a fantastic trip which was all the better for the company

Cheers, the look on your face holding that can is priceless!

Enjoyed that..... and if I never get to walk it myself at least I now know what the route looks like with such brilliant footage!

Many thanks, good footage of the never ending track you mean?! Take note of the huskies and sled idea, it might be worth starting training them now!

Fantastic. Will be very helpful for us so thank you for the detailed report. We're planning the very same route this summer, as these are the last two Munros north of Inverness still on our to-do list. We might take bikes though, depends if we fancy an overnighter on a day trip. Thanks again

Cheers BP, you're welcome. I would definitely do the Bothy stay it's a nice one and if you get a good morning it's some view to wake up to!

Nice report, looked an enjoyable trip - I do like the hills around here with a few ways to approach.
Good idea about using the bothy so as not to have to walk out the same day. It's a good track but can remember there were a lot of groundworks and I think they were were building a new estate lodge up near Loch an Laoigh a couple of years ago. Thanks

PS ever thought about getting one of these ?

Gammy won't let me.... ...

Cheers RH, I seriously don't mind long walks in our out, must be getting crazy in my old age.

Fantastic report and pics of 2 I've still to get on as well..
Choices choices now.
Walk in and stay at the bothy overnight and do the hills next day.
Or walk in and do the hills and overnight in the bothy as you did.
Cheers again for the great report

Both good options! I would try and add in Beinn Dronaig too but we had to boost early so I never had time but that means a return visit will be on the cards which i'm happy about.

Brilliant - fantastic photos - and so timely, how did you know I'd need this report for my own adventures this year

But seriously this is so helpful - Dogplodder are you up for it??

Thanks very much, i'm glad the good timing has helped you out! Plenty more pics in the Flickr album if you want the full walk experience.

PS ever thought about getting one of these ?

21 - Achnashellach 18,19apr2014.JPG

No!!!!!!!

[rockhopper]

PS ever thought about getting one of these ?

21 - Achnashellach 18,19apr2014.JPG

No!!!!!!!

Having just "enjoyed" the backside numbing track from Feolin to just south of the Paps, there were times when I thought of agreeing with you 😉😉

[Petr Dakota]

Great report and great photos Chris I like also your way of descriptions
Not sure, but it looks like I met one of "your" "Camerons" on the end of CMD arete when climbed Ben Nevis yesterday
Best wishes
Petr