A cracking traverse of Beinn Alligin

[15pearsonT]

Beinn Alligin. The least complex of the trio of Torridonian sandstone mountains which rise above Glen Torridon like "prehistoric monsters"(Storer)- a scenic gem to behold in your lifetime. As we drove towards Torridon from Shieldaig, the views astonished me like none other; little did I know that these views were only our starter- we were yet to find the main course of views to consume.

I was tired. After clambering up Maol Chean Dearg the previous day from Coulags in mist across the numerous boulder fields, the ascent of Beinn Alligin was one for tired legs, but the enthusiasm was still there. So we set off from the usual car park at about 10.30 with high optimism, as the cloud from on top of Sgurr Mor and Tom Na Gruagaich started to clear up- we were in for perfect weather to traverse the Horns of Alligin. As it was my first ever scramble, I felt slightly nervous as to what it would be like- after reading the many books and material I could find on it, I felt bewildered as to what the experience would hold for me. Would it be exposed? Would be it airy? But never mind this I thought, lets just get on with it!

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Looking back towards Loch Torridon

A mini waterfall on the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil

Sgurr Mor in cloud

Liathach in cloud

The steepness of the first climb up towards the Horns was great as I would not like to be going down that slope after doing the whole traverse, when I was even more tired. After a quick flapjack, i was reenergised to tackle the Horns.


Ready to take the horns!

Sgurr Dubh and Loch a Bhealaich

Back towards the second horn

On the summit of Sgurr Mor- First Munro of the Day

Back towards the Horns of Alligin and Beinn Dearg behind

It took 3 hrs 45 mins to get from the car park to Sgurr Mor but sure were the views worth the effort.For me the Horns of Alligin were a lot easier than I expected. But beware, this does not mean that you will not find them hard and that you should not take care and concentrate on them .



The Outer Hebrides

Skye, Raasay and Rona

Gairloch

We then carried on towards Eag Dhiubh which plunges 550 m into the corrie below(Imagine climbing up that!)

After 45 minutes we got to Tom Na Gruagaich and started heading down, still with the beautiful views over Skye and Liathach.


The summit of Tom Na Gruagaich- second munro of the day
After a long and tiring day we got back to the car park after 7 hours of walking across the finest mountain I had ever walked.

[Alteknacker]

I thought: surely there weren't 2 days with this superb weather ??!!??

Then it clocked when I saw the last pic: it was the same walk as the long-haired fellah reported on....

It's hard to beat days like this. On such occasions I often think of Joe Simpson's words in "Touching the Void": "This is what we live for...."

[malky_c]

Nice one - that was a great day out. Liathach next year?