Beinn Liath Mhor, Sgorr Ruadh - A view to Torridon

[wilkiemurray]

Day Two Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh from Achnashellach

video repot-

Original plan had been to tackle the four Mullardoch Munros today on our second day in Tomich, however given our efforts from the previous day trip to Glen Affric we did not think it wise (or possible!!) to tackle another long day trudging through the snow. So after getting the books out in the pub the night before we decided on Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh (possibility of Fuar Tholl too).

The day before we had noticed that the hills around Torridon and Achnashellach had a significantly lesser amount of snow which also contributed to the decision. The only down side was the long drive round from the B and B near Tomich, however we worked it to our advantage to stop in to Inverness to pick up some badly needed sun cream!!!!! We had bad sunburn from the glare and wind the day before.

As we headed up to Achnashellach it was obvious there was “another event on”. As we drove through Garve across the level crossing there were hundreds of photographers and this continued as we drove along towards Achnasheen- turns out there was an old steam locomotive on the line. Never seen so many people and cars stopped on this road before – in fact some we parked rather dangerously!!!

Anyway – we left the car at a busy car park below the station at 11.30- a late start but added time for the legs to recover from the day before!! We crossed the line and followed the track left until we came to the forest tack which led us upwards quickly to the Coire Lair. Fuar Tholl looking very impressive as we headed up. Once the Coire Lair opened up, we could see the route for the day ahead of us.

Coire Lair

The cloud base was well above the summits and more importantly there was little in the way of lying snow!! The hardest ascent of the day was the pull on to the eastern ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor. Once on the ridge it is a fantastic walk with a few ups and down but brilliant views of Torridon opening up and also the hill further west, Fannichs and Fisherfields

ridge walk

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Stopped at the summit for some lunch then headed onto to tackle Sgorr Ruadh.

summit of liath mhor pose

The sun was now out and we were still in T shirts!!- A marked contrast to yesterday where the snow had been on all day and any stops were accompanied with numb fingers!! What a difference in 24hrs!!

There is a considerable drop and steep in places to reach the col between the two munros and don’t be tempted to go over the middle top at 769 as it is basically a cliff on the other side!!

A straight forward ascent to Sgorr Ruadh and more views with the sun out. We also observed a coastguard helicopter on a training exercise which was impressive.

summit of ruadh

It was now 4pm and we decided on leaving Fuar Tholl for another day!! Got back to the car for 6. Fantastic walk and one I would definitely leave for a good day to take in the views…..

[mrssanta]

that looks great. the first pic looks like a painting with a dramatic sky. did you tinker with it at all?

[Lenore]

Impressive pictures!

[wilkiemurray]

Thanks Lenore

Mrssanta -No tinkering done - it just came out that way - perhaps all the grey in picture made the camera see it that way - I'm afraid I dont have an answer