Beinn Lochain, first walk out in the dark

[lomondwalkers]

The plan was to go for Beinn Bheula from Lettermay, but as it was almost 2pm by the time we got there, we decided to head to the Graham to the North, Beinn Lochain. We followed the same track that would have taken us to Bheula until just before the fabulous fast flowing waterfall that tumbles down ahead of you, so fabulous that we didn't think to take a photo We then followed a mud track that looked to have been used for felling the trees which lead us nicely round to Curra Lochain. At the start of the Loch there were some trees left that we had to stoop under which brought us to a stile. Over we went and from there we struck up the side of the hill. We could see plenty of crags and boulders up above and it was a case of get to them then find a way over/round them, which was good fun. Eventually it levelled off for a bit then we were faced with a whole load of steepness and crags and it was a case of trial and error to get to the summit, which I wouldn't have fancied too much in thick clag, but as it was, the cloud was hovvering just around the summit and eventually we found our way to the top and the tiny cairn that I missed even though I was standing right next to it Pretty claggy around the surrounding summits, so not great views, though we had a good view down to the Loch below us and some of the surrounding crags. Took us over 2 hours to the summit, so we knew the walk out was going to be in the dark and wanted to get back to the mud track at the Loch before the head torches were going to be christened. Made it with a bit of time to spare, though the walk from the mud track back to the path proper got rather amusing when I went sliding off a wet log to land on my butt, a helping hand from Del Boy soon landed him on his too One fit of the giggles later we were safely onto the main track and heading to Lettermay.

Some photos...

Beinn Lochain from the car

Loch Goil

Beinn Lochain

Curra Lochain

Towards Lochain nan Crialmh

Beinn Bheula

Ascent route, we went left of main crags....

....here

Down over crags and boulders to Loch

More crags

Summit

At least somebody was getting some sun

Cliffs

Tiny cairn

Initial descent

Curra Lochain

More crags

Darkness descending

Headtorches oot!!!

[pollyh33]

Fabbie report Dave.

Those photographs are just getting better and better

As well as all the new skills you've been learning on your course, do actually think more about your choice of subject??

PS No pics of your muddy butt?

[Johnny Corbett]

Nice report of a little toughie. Shame you missed Beinn Bheula though you could link it up with the Marilyn when you returned. I'd hoped to do all three but after doing Lochain & Bheula not only were we knackered but we were running out of daylight

[lomondwalkers]

Fabbie report Dave.

Those photographs are just getting better and better

As well as all the new skills you've been learning on your course, do actually think more about your choice of subject??

PS No pics of your muddy butt?

Cheers P
I wouldn't say I think too much more about my choice of subject, I just take the time to try and take a steady shot instead of one handed snapping while I walk type stuff oh and try to centre what I'm photographing, oh and the rule of thirds

No muddy butt shots, I've yet to acquire a wide angle lens

[lomondwalkers]

Nice report of a little toughie. Shame you missed Beinn Bheula though you could link it up with the Marilyn when you returned. I'd hoped to do all three but after doing Lochain & Bheula not only were we knackered but we were running out of daylight

Cheers JC
Beinn Bheula looks a great rugged hill, will most definitely be back for it in the future and hopefully get it's wee neebur too.

[Bod]

Done some night-naving in the rain over Beinn Bheula and round about. A fantastic area to work on the skills...

[SusieThePensioner]

I wouldn't say I think too much more about my choice of subject, I just take the time to try and take a steady shot instead of one handed snapping while I walk type stuff oh and try to centre what I'm photographing, oh and the rule of thirds

Dave, I'm impressed you're taking the time to do all that before you take a shot and it shows in your photos I usually totally forget about the rule of thirds but it doesn't always apply, particularly if you're taking something like a fantastic sky

Loved your report, as usual

[lomondwalkers]

Done some night-naving in the rain over Beinn Bheula and round about. A fantastic area to work on the skills...

It sure is, will probably be back again in the near future.

Dave, I'm impressed you're taking the time to do all that before you take a shot and it shows in your photos I usually totally forget about the rule of thirds but it doesn't always apply, particularly if you're taking something like a fantastic sky

Loved your report, as usual

Thanks Susie, with my luck for weather I doubt I'll be getting a fantastic sky anytime soon

[malky_c]

Missed this one. I really like the look of the hills round there. Pity they are so far away! Nice report

[rockhopper]

Pity they are so far away! Nice report

Not often there's an advantage to living in the Glasgow region compared to Inverness

Starting to look at the corbetts and grahams nearer home - certainly quite a variety - and your report's giving me ideas - cheers

[lomondwalkers]

Missed this one. I really like the look of the hills round there. Pity they are so far away! Nice report

Some great craggy hills round that way. Beinn Bheula looks a cracker, can't wait to get back and attempt it

Starting to look at the corbetts and grahams nearer home - certainly quite a variety - and your report's giving me ideas - cheers

Yeah theres plenty to choose from RH, I'll hopefully be ticking off a few more in the area over Winter.