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An interesting and adventurous route up to Sgurr Nan Conbhairean, although not quite the scramble we had planned, but, worthwhile in its own right, especially if you have already bagged the munro's in this area and are interested in exploring. After a four month break from hill walking we wondered if were fit enough to cross the road from the carpark so were quite pleased to have persevered with the upping and downing even if we were slower than our usual snails pace. Starting at Loch Cluanie, our route followed the Allt Coire Lair to Gorm Lochan, then from Coire Lair up to Glas Bealach and down the other side of the bealach into the Glen between Stob Nan Conbhairean and Creag a' Chaorrain. Traversing around the glen we climbed the North East Spur of Stob nan Conbhairean on a bit of rock but mainly steep grass to the summit.
- The route
Rising at the unholy hour of 5am we were driving past Lochness by 7:30 and parked on the shore of Loch Cluanie ready to walk by 8:45.
- Passing Lochness
The weather forecast was for sunny spells in the morning but a more overcast afternoon with possible rain around 15:00. Given that we set out to scramble we did not fancy being caught out on damp slippery schist!
It felt good to be heading for the hills again after a long period of lockdown and walking down the road from the carpark I was struck by the how colourful the verges were and realised how much I had missed seeing wildflowers in the mountains. The lower slopes of the hills were even more colourful and I was delighted to see the marsh orchids blooming.
- Wild flowers
The path on the right of Allt Coire Lair started out as a track, quickly turning into a path which became fainter as we gained height. There were multiple stream to cross, and the ground was wet underfoot but there were only a couple of really boggy section.
- Path along Altt Coire Lair
- Emperor Moth Caterpillar enjoying the heather.
We planned to take a break in Coire Lair and fill our water bottles at Gorm lochan before the steep walk up up to the bealach. As we puffed and panted upwards the coire was hanging enticingly above us, but never getting closer, in fact I am sure it was retreating with every hump in the ground.
- Coire ahead
But reaching it at last the coire was magnificent and Gorm Lochan magical. First time I can recall seeing water snails in a loch! A perfect spot for an early lunch making sure we were well nourished and hydrated for the climb ahead.
- Gorm Lochan
- Water Snails
- 11:30 Jeremy came out make an early lunch
After lunch we headed towards the lowest point on the Glas Bealach, it was pathless and steep but not too challenging. From the bealach it was a steep descent into the glen, before traversing around to the North East spur of Sgurr nan Conbhairean.
- Looking down at Coire Lair
- Gorm Bealach
- Steep Descent into the glen.
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According to the scrambling guide our route should start on rocky spurs above a steep drop. Certain we were in the right spot we looked for the best scrambling line. The route description suggested the central buttress was a loose difficult and the spur to the right was easier. The first buttress seemed to fit the description of a loose difficult and looked the most inviting, the central buttress looked scrappy and smooth and the spur to the right looked much harder. After a few failed attempts to get established on the first one, we moved across to the scrappy middle.
- smooth and scrappy start
It was easier to get started but hard to sustain and very loose. Whether it was lack of practice and fitness or sheer cowardice I soon bottled out and moved across on to the steep grass, which was equally terrifying and loose!
- Steep grass
But at least I made some progress and met up with Dick who had manfully gone up the rock.
It was a similar tale on the next spur, which started out with some good juggy holds but these soon gave way to small crimps. at which point I gave way to more steep grass.
- Buttress 2
Above this, linking craglets for the sake of making a scramble seemed pointless when there was much easier if steep walking on the grass.
The walking poles came out and we began to enjoy finding our own way up. Mostly on grass with occasional scrambley moves. The highlight being a traverse around jutting out boulder.
- Interesting traverse.
The views and the situation and made worthwhile.
- The views
- The situation
- The summit ahead
- A splendid way to approach Sgurr Nan Conbhairean
- 15:30 and we are on the summit
- Four months has been along time but its good to be back
Black clouds were hovering so we decided not to linger, and wisely took a bearing before heading back down.
- On the way down
- Ben Nevis in the distance
We knew from previous experience that the descent from Meall Breac would be rough and wet and it was.
We made it back to van by 18:30, slower and sorer than normal but pleased that we had made a summit at all.