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First report in quite a while...
The realities of shorter days and lack of remaining holidays meant I was unable to resist the propect of good weather over the NW. Aside from an aborted attempt on Beinn Liath Mhor a couple of years ago, I hadn't made much impression on the vast mountain land around Glenn Carron. The route taking in these 2 Munros fulfilled my criteria for this late autumn walk - namely that the long walk out on landrover track would be easily done in the dark if necessary.
I set off from Craig just before 10am in cool conditions under ever-changing skies. The track to the wire bridge across the Allt a' Chonais is uneventful but pleasant and a nice way to ease into a hillwalk.
I say "bridge" but only the top rail remains and I had no appetite to attempt crawling upsidedown across it
. Fortunately, the river was low and easily crossed on stepping stones. The next section was on a decent path up to the Bhealach Bhearnais with Sgurr Choinnich a constant companion on the left.
The onward route was an enjoyable 400m climb with a couple of easy scrambly sections to the summit of SC.
The final ascent was along an airy ridge with the cloud pouring in from the SW over Lurg Mhor then down and up over the summit.
It was windy and cold and I was happy to take shelter in the lee of the hill just a few feet below the small summit cairn. The short next section down to the col between the 2 Munros was a struggle as the wind had really picked up and my hands temporarily lost circulation! Despite that, the view SE along Loch Monar was worth it.
From the col it was just a short climb to the summit of Sgurr a' Chaorachain, again in cloud. However, the wind was strong enough that I thought it might blow over and I was also well ahead of schedule so took a seat in the summit shelter in the hope of things clearing. After about 10 minutes I was ready to leave when the cloud suddenly lifted
.
I started snapping away and finally got a few decent shots of Maoile Lunndaidh, Glenuaig and across the glen to Sgurr nan Ceannachain and Moruisg - good things etc etc.
The descent N began easily enough but soon steepened. It may have been grassy but was still unpleasant and I was relieved to reach flatter ground above the Allt Leathad an Tobair. I crossed the stream and bog-hopped to rejoin the Bhealach Bhearnais path. I was back on the track by 4pm, a good hour before I thought I might be.
The walk back was one of those where you can't believe you walked so far in the first place
. I got back to the car just as darkness fell. The weather may not have been quite as good as forecast but this was still a really enjoyable day out
. Even the 3.1/2 hour drive back to Midlothian couldn't dampen spirits.
