Orval (Rum)

[pgrizz]

Set off from Guirdil Bothy and walked up Glen Guirdil to the Bealach a' Bhraig Bhig between the hills of Fionchra and Orval (571 metres) which was our objective for the day.
Once summiting Orval we headed off along the ridge to Sron an t-Saighdeir (523m) then steeply down to the Bealach an Dubh-bhraigh before heading back down Glen Guidil and the bothy. Left Bloodstone Hill for the following day as I wanted to photograph the arches and caves around the bay whilst it was still light.

Morning cloud over the Sound of Canna

Orval and waterfall on Guirdil River

Glen Guirdil

Orval from the Bealach a' Bhraig Bhig

Fionchra with Skye in the background

Orval Crags

Between the crags

Orval trig pillar and the Rum Cuillin

Rock Face!

Rum Cuillin from Orval's summit cairn

Skye from the summit of Sron an t-Saighdeir (523m)

Glen Guirdil with Bloodstone Hill on left.

The Cuillin of Skye seen over the western slopes of Fionchra

Gateposts without a gate or fence! This is the start of the track (or finish) up Glen Guirdil from the bothy.

Not long after arriving back at the bothy these two chaps came to visit.

[Bod]

That's a great report, a must go place for me for many reasons. Been putting it off and not finding the time for too long. Thanks for posting.......

[kevsbald]

For two reasons, 'I wish I could fly'....

[malky_c]

Looks like some good luck with the weather - can't often be clear out there in February!

Thanks for posting up some great shots of the other side of the island. Like everyone else who reads this, I really can't wait until I manage to visit here

Had planned on a full weekend on the island last October, taking in all of the significant summits, but life intervened.

[Johnny Corbett]

I too hope to visit Rum in the near future and spend a few days climbing it's hills. Thanks for the post

[ChrisW]

Great stuff Pgrizz, like Malky said you certainly did well weather wise for February on Rum and I'm glad you did as we get to see your beautiful photos

[Highlander]

Great report pgrizz. Your pictures took me back to my visit to Rum back in the ealy 90s when I did some conservation work for the then Nature Conservancy Council. Hope to get back there some day! How was the bothy?

[pgrizz]

That's a great report, a must go place for me for many reasons. Been putting it off and not finding the time for too long. Thanks for posting.......

Thanks but don't put it off for too much longer. The trip is worth the effort.

[icemandan]

If you're up there, it's worth carrying on to the top of Bloodstone Hill - the old quarry track takes you straight there. It's not on any list as far as I know but from the top, what seems to be a meadow suddenly drops away sheer to the sea. It has fantastic views out to Canna and the Western Isles as well.

[pgrizz]

Looks like some good luck with the weather - can't often be clear out there in February!

Thanks for posting up some great shots of the other side of the island. Like everyone else who reads this, I really can't wait until I manage to visit here

Had planned on a full weekend on the island last October, taking in all of the significant summits, but life intervened.

Thanks for the comment.
The weather changed for the worse during the evening of Tuesday: nigh on gale force winds and driving rain lasting well into Thursday morning!!
When life gives you the opportunity go for it: my next visit to rum, however, will see me stop at the castle's bunkhouse.

[pgrizz]

Great report pgrizz. Your pictures took me back to my visit to Rum back in the ealy 90s when I did some conservation work for the then Nature Conservancy Council. Hope to get back there some day! How was the bothy?

Bothy was fine until wednesday when it rained non stop in very strong winds and rain started to seep in through the walls!! Also one of the skylights was leaking a little.
Thanks for your comments

[pgrizz]

I too hope to visit Rum in the near future and spend a few days climbing it's hills. Thanks for the post

The hills of Rum are fine; don'tleave it too long. They now charge at the campsite though one can still wild camp and there are two finely located bothies. Enjoy your trip.