Walkhighlands

We are now onto the Saturday of the WH meet. Our plan was a nice early start and then head NW to tackle the eastern Fannichs, however with a 90% chance of heavy rain/snow high up and winds of over 45mph that plan was shelved for another day. So after a huddle we opted to watch the rugby and then head out and tackle a wee hill. The rugby was superb and it isn't very often the All Blacks give away so many penalties or make so many mistakes. We didn't have any routes loaded into our technology so we had to resort to using a map.
After studying the map I selected a couple of Marilyn's on the east side of Loch Ness, so it was down to Fort Augustus then back up the other side. George did a great job as co-pilot and navigator and we found a nice improvised parking slot.


That is where we are heading looks easy?


Nice straight unclassified road


There is a bridge, well a plank of wood across the ditch


A unique style over the fence, if you have little legs you will need assistance


My improvised parking spot, we didn't see a single vehicle on the road


Nice initial gentle ascent, trying to weave our way through the obstacles


Bit of height gained, George admiring the view


Looking north


As you can see the bracken obviously loves the area, it would be a nice challenge in the summer


If it isn't bracken it is heather, the heather is knee deep and hides the numerous holes that were probably dug by some sort of machine for tree planting. The holes are generally filled with water, I found one on the ascent and one on the descent


George trying to get a piggy back - passing shower


Getting steeper now and that means it is really energy sapping especially when you are having to lift your knees up to your chin!!


George loving the struggle


A little break from the heather and bracken


George and Parminder taking a breather before leaving the heather behind


Looking back down


George and Parminder waiting whilst I nipped up a hump to make sure it wasn't the summit


Looking NW


Not far to the summit now


NW again


Video on the summit of Meall an Tarsaid


Not sure what direction we are looking

After the usual photo's we started the descent which was certainly much more rapid than the ascent.
This turned out to be a good little leg stretcher, our plan was to nip up Beinn a'Bhacaidh, but the weather was far from ideal and it looked like another shower was on it's way so we abandoned that idea.,So we headed back to the hostel for a beer or two before eating out as usual.
Sunday was a complete washout, no hills at all as the forecast was even worse. So after a nice fry up cooked by Martin and John it was sit back and relax and watch the rugby. Wales vs South Africa and to be honest as a spectacle it was very disappointing, the Springboks negative kicking tactics paid off, but it wasn't pretty to watch.

When the new style ticks that can spread encephalitis get up to Scotland, this will be territory to avoid, so good for you for attacking at least one of this type of Marilyns before they do.


All this rugby has been interfering with our walking...I have been threatening to go out alone, but just went swimming instead. Persuaded husband to abandon an All Blacks game on TV about 4 years ago, and when we went out, a whole troupe of all black pheasants tried to fling themselves in front of the car....I don't know if he saw it as some sort of sign, but he hasn't abandoned them since.

Looks typical sub 200 fare

Had I managed this one on Sunday, my planned route was a bit further back along the road from the cattle grid. Straight up by the trees and then slog to the top.

I think you boys would enjoy Creag nan Clag a bit further along the B862 toward Inverness. A delightful mix of steep side, deep heather and a good bit of bracken to add to the fun (I'll add a nice photo once I have access to them)

PeteR wrote:Looks typical sub 200 fare

Had I managed this one on Sunday, my planned route was a bit further back along the road from the cattle grid. Straight up by the trees and then slog to the top.

I think you boys would enjoy Creag nan Clag a bit further along the B862 toward Inverness. A delightful mix of steep side, deep heather and a good bit of bracken to add to the fun (I'll add a nice photo once I have access to them)

P1120822 by Pete Riedel, on Flickr

That looks like fun Pete, wouldn't be fun if it was wet/damp though.

Yup, this wee hill certainly Stretched the muscles,,,..