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Whilst a clear sky is lovely from a viewing the stars point of view in March the chances of tea in a reclining chair at 7.00am may well reduce your core temperature - maybe by too much. Once again a stunning, though chilly morning we were off early. This is the first time we have been exactly where we start a walk.
As we crossed the bridge over Glen Etive and made our way upstream to Glenceitlein we were on our own - not a soul in site.
A stunning boring, no wind, blue skies and soooo clear.
Looking back on Finlay's Hill
An old sheep fold.
Now what one of those guys are we going up?
OK, which one is Meall Nan Eun?
Although there was a path it was patching in bits so we had to keep our eye on the ball but as we started the ascent we lost it and had to make a decision: do we do as per Cicerone guide or do we sweep round to the North so as not to do a retrace when we come off Meall Nan Eun? We opted, because it was so dry on the latter. Because it was so dry going up the long stone slabs seemed much easier than the tussocky grass.
Looking back on the ascent and Glen Etive.
Looking up at the crags in front I was a little uncertain that going up would be straightforward but as we approached the crags I saw the first pair of Ptarmigan's and I just thought it'll be feet!
Ptagmigan Pair.
A good choice of route, an interesting wee scramble then up to the summit. In the words of that bastion of English language:
The Sun.... Cor what a scorcher!
Meall nan Eun (928m) and time for Elevensies methinks! Then off we went
The lump in front is Meall Tarsuinn - its bark is worse than its bite though and we were soon up that and looking at Stob Coir' an Albannaich.
As we made our way to start the ascent there were a number of pools of water that were teaming with life: frogs but as we approached it instantly silenced as they scurried for cover: by jings those fellows can hold their breaths! Oh, we also saw another two ptarmigan pairs.
Soon we war on the ridge and heading for the top.
Munro 2 of the day.
Stob Coir' an Albannaich (1044m)
The route over to Glas Bheinn Mhor was made easy due to the important fact that we could actually see it - a feature we had not been used to of late. We did not follow the steep path down but opted for a steeper grassy descent that then traversed over to the col before making our way up the path to the summit of Glas Bheinn Mhor.
Munro 3: Glas Bheinn Mhor (997m)
Fair play to those amongst you who add another and those even more so who add two more to this days collection: I raise my glass to you. A great accomplishment but for us..... three was enough. Starav looked quite formidable in the distance.
Back down to the col then we headed back to Glen Etive following the fairly good stalker's path. One last look up to Glas Bheinn Mhor and we saw the only other people we saw that day.
late afternoon: excellent light and another grand day in the hills.
Nature on Nature
Looking back
My only down point of the day is the trudge back from the stalkers path and back to the house at Coileitir - a bog fest of epic proportions. Note to brain - put gaiters back on in future!
Glen Etive
Back to the van and after a wee swim in the river we had our dinner and watched the sun go down and the moon come out.
A great day. And here's to many more.
