Walkhighlands

At last, after lots of precipitation, the forecast was good for the west of Scotland. Following advice from earlier in the month, we decided to camp wild in a remote place for a few days in our campervan, climbing remote hills and not interacting with any locals or shops or fuel stations (or wifi!). On returning, we found that this sort of thing had become frowned upon. And now everywhere is off limits - so we are pleased to have had such a super day to remember over the coming months.
We set off on a calm sunny but cold morning, along the track from Corran, up Glen Arnisdale. We crossed the Eigin Allt burn on the track then made our way upwards and across onto the ridge. All was well for a while, we went round or up the rocky bits. Higher up, we may have made some poor choices of route when parts of the steep grassy or rocky bits turned out to be covered in ice. It was a relief to find that the slope eased off as we encountered more extensive snow higher up, and we veered round to the summit. Amazing views in all directions.Druim Fada looks like a ridge from afar, but as you head west, it appears more as a series of slightly disconnected knolls, several needing a little thought as to the best way up or down. We were definitely avoiding north-facing rocky sections after our main ascent problems. Finally we got to the end of the ridge and decided to head straight down to Corran.We meandered our way down avoiding the steepest sections, and now instead of icy rocks had to contend with steep waterlogged grassy slopes - more care needed. Nearing Corran, we thought all our problems were over - but ended up on very steep ground in the trees, and had to backtrack a bit before finding an easier route rightwards down to fields, which currently have damaged fences making for easy access. This was a great day out with an interesting ridge and exceptional views, though I was quite tired by the end. Recommended for your bucket list!
Here is our very approximate route

Love the panorama shot, with the impressive white summits in the background.

jacob wrote:Love the panorama shot, with the impressive white summits in the background.

Yes, that picture was my husband's, so I told him that it had been admired. High lochans in the foreground are his speciality! I try to use my own photos in my trip reports but sometimes his are better and have to be included.

We did this ridge two years ago, the same route. It's an absolute stunner. I'd go as far to say it is the best of Arnisdale hills. Amazing views and so many opportunities for easy scrambling. Hard to believe it's just a Graham...
The summit pano is something to treasure, especially now in the times of lockdown. If you don't mind, this is my version from May 2018:

BlackPanther wrote:We did this ridge two years ago, the same route. It's an absolute stunner. I'd go as far to say it is the best of Arnisdale hills. Amazing views and so many opportunities for easy scrambling. Hard to believe it's just a Graham...
The summit pano is something to treasure, especially now in the times of lockdown. If you don't mind, this is my version from May 2018:

2018-06-10 druim fada 207.JPG

Yes, I had read your inspiring report before we went, thank you. I like your pano, looking out to sea with hills on both sides.

I usually scan the walkhighlands Graham reports to see if there are any suitable variants on the book routes. And usually there is a report from 'BP' - especially since many of the hills that are still on our list are in the Highlands. So once we are back on the hills we may be following your footsteps again.

This looks excellent, and it must have felt great to find Scotland's last remaining glacier on the way to Sgurr Mor!

Mal Grey wrote:This looks excellent, and it must have felt great to find Scotland's last remaining glacier on the way to Sgurr Mor!

I hadn't thought of that, but it does look a bit glacial. We were not tempted to walk on it though.

Beautiful pics. What a place! This is an option for me this summer and your report is very helpful for planning - thanks.

bigkeith wrote:Beautiful pics. What a place! This is an option for me this summer and your report is very helpful for planning - thanks.

Wishing you sunshine and a good breeze to keep the midgies away! .