
The forecast wasn't looking too bad, though some suggestion it might be a bit windy, as we parked up by the layby on A87. Keep your wits about you as the traffic is fair shifting, in each direction. The route up to Bealach na Craoibhe is relatively pleasant going, except when trying to keep up with a younger, fitter, six foot plusser!
Gradually the views along Glen Shiel, Five Sisters and craggy ridge to Sgurr na Criege, begin to open up and whet the appetite for the main ridge, as the scramble nears. It was quite steep in places, but nothing too hairy, though I tend not too spend too long admiring the exposure. One or, two moments of bum shuffling on tricky bits, but in these dry conditions, not too tricky and took the odd bypass here and there, especially at the really steep drop, after Sgurr na Forcan.
Steve, also traversed a knife sharp ridge, which I decided to leave till the next time and then it wasn't much after that, we were on the summit of The Saddle. Decent views, though not the clearest day, out to the Cuillin, Loch Cluanie, Kintail and other ranges and of course, over to Sgurr na Sgine, second target for the day. Superb!
After the usual few photo's and some grub, we set off down the boulder strewn route to the bealach, marvelling at the drystane dyke, which some poor soul must have been used as punishment, to go and build, many moons ago. Was a bit of a climb up from the bealach, but before long we were on the summit of Sgurr na Sgine. Doesn't look much of a hill from the approach side, but I wouldn't like to have to tackle it from the south!
Enjoyed the stroll to the summit of Faochag, which is a stunning peak, when viewed heading west on the A87, along Glen Shiel. I don't know which is better, or perhaps, which is worse, but it sure is steep and sore on the knees, on descent!
Crossing the Allt Mhalagain at the bottom, was no trouble today and before you could say "six and a half hours," we were back at the car, well satisfied with another great day on the hills and no Forcan puns used!
