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Yesterday morning, I set out with the MMC on a Bus Meet to the North-West Highlands. Members were dropped-off at various starting points along the way - I got dropped-off at the North-end of Loch Awe along with a number of other members who were intent to ascend either Canisp or Beinn Reidh.
I had initially hoped to ascend both Canisp and Beinn Reidh but given available time, and underfoot conditions, this was an overly-optimistic plan.
Click here to see a map of the route undertakenThe Canisp group and the Beinn Reidh group walked together for the first two kilometres.
Canisp from North-end of Loch Awe (zoomed):
MMC Group heading for Canisp / Beinn Reidh:
The weather was changeable throughout the day – several snow/hail showers with blue-sky interludes.
Looking across to Conival and Ben More Assynt:
Following the path to Canisp:
Cul Mor:
On reaching a height of about 380m, the Beinn Reidh group began traversing the unfrequented area lying between Canisp and Beinn Reidh – there are a number of nice lochs/lochans in this area.
View South:
For an hour or so, we had a nice break in the weather, which provided some great views of Canisp.
Canisp is a nice steep hill from this direction!
Cloud-capped Canisp from lochan:
The summit of Beinn Reidh was still almost a couple of hours away.
Beinn Reidh:
Looking back towards Canisp:
Heading for Beinn Reidh:
Beinn Reidh:
We crossed the causeway at Loch nam Meallan Liatha – stopping a short time on the causeway for lunch. We wondered how many people had previously been in this area – we guessed not that many.
Causeway at Loch nam Meallan Liatha:
Canisp again:
Looking back to causeway:
During the ascent of Beinn Reidh, it was nice to see stunning Suilven make an appearance. The views of Suilven improved as we gained height.
Suilven making an appearance:
Suilven (zoomed):
Looking across to Breabag:
Looking back to Loch nam Meallan Liatha:
As we approached the summit, the views of surrounding hills were quite impressive - Beinn Reidh is a great viewpoint.
Suilven (zoomed):
Stac Pollaidh sandwiched between Canisp and Suilven:
On reaching the summit, we congratulated John on summiting his 700th Marilyn.
700th Marilyn – well done John:
Bob was also kind enough to take some photos of myself.
Myself at the summit of Beinn Reidh:
Quinag looked good from the summit – it is a fantastic triple-Corbett.
Quinag from summit of Beinn Reidh:
We didn’t hang around for long at the summit. We made our way towards Inchadamph – knowing that a river crossing awaited us at the end of the walk.
Nice wee crag, passed during the descent:
Descent towards Inchnadamph:
I was quite pleased to find a land-rover track during the descent, which we followed to the River Loanan.
Land-rover track heading towards Inchnadamph:
The rock tiers, located just South of Inchadamph, looked really impressive from the slopes of Beinn Reidh.
Fantastic rock tiers - South of Inchnadamph:
I was pleasantly surprised on crossing the initial river crossing – it wasn’t too bad.
River Crossing (Starter):
However a couple of hundred metres further on, we arrived at the main river.
I wondered if I could get across with dry feet and just went for it – fully clothed and booted. Answer: Fat Chance!
Bob and John removed their socks before crossing, so at least had dry socks at the other side.
No matter we would soon be back on the bus anyway
.
River Crossing (Main Course):
After crossing the river, we walked up to the Inchadamph Hotel, where we waited for the bus. As usual, the hotel was not open
.
After picking up some members from the SMC Elphin hut, we made for Ullapool for some great fish & chips and drinks.
A superb day out.
