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A wonderful start to the month of October with autumn sunshine and just enough wind to ruffle your feathers, these two hills just kept on giving from start to finish until our awe factor was just about worn out,
Our walk varied from walkhighlands with a walk up rough ground to Spidean Mialach, but then followed the same route for the rest of the round. Hence it was a bit longer.
- The route
We stayed in the carpark opposite the mobile phone mast, not only were there classic views along Loch Quoich but was there was also a cattle grid between up and the roaming Highland Coos. Rather than walk down the road to the path we headed straight up the hill towards Loch Fearna.
- Starting out past the mast
The ground was rough but not unduly so, being mainly short grass and slabby rock, the rock was a superbly rough and grippy schist. With a number of streams feeding into and out of Loch Fearna we were unsure which would be the best way round it but we reached the tumbling waters of the Allt Fearna sooner than expected and at this lower point crossing it was straight forward. From the shores of the Loch there was a fine view of the ridge from Fiar Bealach to Gleouraich and in the opposite direction could see the peaks of the Knoydart and beyond.
- Gleouraich from Loch Fearna
- Loch Fearna
A large herd of deer was visible in the distance and the stags were in fine voice their bellows echoing around the coires. A flock of golden plover took to the air with startled cries, startling us.
We picked and hopped our way through the peat hags that formed the coire floor and briefly considered heading further east to gain the eastern most point on the Spidean Mialach Gleouraich ridge so that we traveresed the whole thing east to west, but then laziness stepped in and we took the most direct line to Spidean Mialach summit. A short steep slog up initially grass then becoming increasingly stony before joining up with a path near the top.
- View across to Kinlochhourn and beyond from steep slopes of Spidean Mialach
- Rocky Top Spidean Mialach
- Approaching the summit
- Spidean Mialach Summit at 11:30
The ridge walk between the two munro's was spectacular, especially the rock scenery in the northern corries and the 360 panoramic mountain views.
- Along the ridge
- Narrow Descent
It was miday when we reached Fiar Bhealaic, a good excuse to stop for lunch and Jeremy Jetboil appreciated the scenery whilst boiling up a brew.
- Jeremy Jetblil cooking lunch at the bealach
The rough rock on the slabs leading from the bhealaic was irresistible, so we diverted from the path for a bit of easy scrambling.
- Divergence from the path
On route to Gleouraich the path, in places strayed from the edge so sticking to the crest was in places, a further excuse for more easy scrambling. There was a small flock of ravens seemingly enjoying cruising on the thermals and we a golden eagle flew past. Up until this year we had never seen a golden eagle whilst walking and this year we have seen three! So thrilling!
- Along the ridge to Spidean Mialach
- Gleouraich Ahead
- Glen Morriston in the distancee
Just as we were approaching the summit I was surprised to see magic mushrooms growing along the side of the path! and finally Gleouraich
- 15:00 Gleouraich
- Munro 141
Although we are unlikely to complete the munros it still feels like a milestone to have reached a halfway point.
Black clouds were gathering overhead and as snow and storms were forecast for the evening we decided not to linger and but make our descent. The storm never materialised, just enough drizzle to leave one wondering if a waterproof was required, or not!
- Heading down from Gleouraich
- Turning round to Loch Quoich
- Stalkers Path with a rainbow
- The pot of gold must be this end
As we approached the woods near the road a noticed a cowpat! The final part of the walk was carried out with much trepidation, and fingers crossed that we did not meat our bovine nemesis.
- Entering the woods
- Final view to the road
. Luck was on our side and although their was plenty of evidence of the beasts as we walked back up the road they never showed up. We were back to our starting point for 17:30. With the autumn colours, the eagle, the roaring stags, it really felt like Gleouraich was our pot of gold at the top of the rainbow.