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Lots of rainfall recently and the forecast was for more rain, but this only affects my preparation rather than where/whether I go - never been put off by the weather yet (touching wood!)
Firstly thought to do these 2 Munros from Glen Lochay but changed plans to go from the south, thinking to make a loop to add in Beinn nan Imirean.
From the start the tops were clear and Auchessan farm found to be friendly and helpful
- Sgiath Chuill from Auchessan
- footprints along the fence mark the way
We reached the bridge to make the left turn following the river and briefly chatted to the workmen there - the river had flooded the area just a week ago and they were starting on the repairs. They warned there was a chance the path had been washed out further up but that wasn't the case. Plenty signs of the damage though, including the decomposing body of a lamb on the path
- looking back - river had pushed debris up to the fence
- fence knocked down in flood
Further on, there was still evidence of how high the water had risen.
- crossing at the dam to head to Sgiath Chuil
From here on the rain came on, lightly at first then heavier as the tops were in cloud. The route from the dam to the first summit is pathless but wasn't too boggy (feet stayed fairly dry as I managed to jump across the worst bits).
- route to Sgiath Chuil summit
- Sgiath Chuil summit view :D
Quite a drop down from here and we missed out the WH marked gentle ascent of Beinn Cheathaich in favour of a more direct (but steeper!) route to get to the top of Coire nam Moine.
- heading for Meall Glas
Crossing the flat between the 2 Munros was more boggy and feet were getting wetter. By the time we reached Meall Glas summit, we decided to just loop back to the farm. 2 steep pathless ascents in the rain was enough for one day
- looking back - Meall Glas still in cloud
As we came down the ground was much boggier than the up route... or maybe it just seemed like that as my feet were soaked through by now. This meant I moved right down the gazellephant scale, no longer feeling the need to stay on drier patches
Plenty of frogs about today, some showing off how high they can jump!