Walkhighlands

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.

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.
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.
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.

The ridge walk between the two munro's was spectacular, especially the rock scenery in the northern corries and the 360 panoramic mountain views.
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.
The rough rock on the slabs leading from the bhealaic was irresistible, so we diverted from the path for a bit of easy scrambling. 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!

Just as we were approaching the summit I was surprised to see magic mushrooms growing along the side of the path! and finally Gleouraich 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!
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. . 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.

That looks superb......been a long while since I was up these two. Certainly didin't have your weathere though. Got soaked, but for some reason it still merits being one of my most enjoyable hill days Once I've broken the back of my remaining Corbetts I might just need to think about a few Munro repeats. These two will certainly feature........but on a sunny day.

Great pics CG. I did these hills Gleouraich first. The path from the road up to the summit is fantastic and a pleasure to climb. A great couple of hills whatever way you do them though.
All the best.

Sunset tripper wrote:Great pics CG. I did these hills Gleouraich first. The path from the road up to the summit is fantastic and a pleasure to climb. A great couple of hills whatever way you do them though.
All the best.

PeteR wrote:That looks superb......been a long while since I was up these two. Certainly didin't have your weathere though. Got soaked, but for some reason it still merits being one of my most enjoyable hill days Once I've broken the back of my remaining Corbetts I might just need to think about a few Munro repeats. These two will certainly feature........but on a sunny day.

Thanks for your comments, they are really superb hills and well worth repeating, sunshine always helps but I I can imagine them being atmospheric in the rain. They have been added to our winter list. 😊