Picked Ian and Jake the dug up at Tiso's car park in Perth at 5 am and toddled up an empty road to Glen Garry.
Found the turn off for Kinlochhorn and immediately had severe doubts as to the validitiy of the track leading anywhere. However pressed on into light rain passing a few cars/camper vans who's occupants were still abed.
Found Pidge's car and drew up alongside, he was sat in the drivers seat foaming and salvering at the mouth; Foot and Mouth? Dengie fever? - no cleaning his teeth.
We decided to follow the WH route, Spidean 1st as opposed to the SMC route Gleouriach 1st. The start of both routes are marked by grey metal posts 1m high but they are all but lost in the Rhododendron growth, both paths are excellent.
Height was gained quickly up to Coire Mheil fords where we were supprised how dry the ground was. Then up Coire Glas where the path traversed the hill zigzaging in a boulder field, here we disturbed a large herd of deer which showed us 'how' to climb a hill.
- Loch Quoich looking to the West
- Fiar Bhealach
- Garbh Choich Mhor, Sgurr na Ciche, Ben Aden being shy
Stopped at the summit of Spidean Mialach for breakfast for about 15 mins and to soak in the views.
- Pigeon, Ian & Jake at Spidean Mialach summit
- Glengarry forest
- Craig a'Mhaim, start of the South Shiel ridge
- Lots of hills still to climb
Nice walk along the ridge top to descend into the bhealach with the rear of the South Glen Sheil ridge opening up before us, memories of pain and pleasure from our trip in May along the ridge.
- Maol Chinn-Dearg
- Back to Spidean M from the 977m spot
- Ahead to Gleouraich from the 977m spot
The ascent to Creag Coire is steep but pleasurable as if follows a well made path with steps in the rocks.
- Descent from Spidean M into the Fiar Bealach
- Climb to Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealach
- Sgurr an Lochan
Made the top of Glerourach in 4 hours where we stopped 15 mins for lunch. The silence on top of this hill was painful on my ears, no feedback, no nothing, just silence.
- Gairich & Gulvain
- Gleouraich top from 1006m spot
- The Saddle
- Back to Spidean M
- Gleourich summit
The descent was again by an excellent path and were were back to the cars in a little over five and a half hours.
- Route down over Druim Seileach top
The Hunting Lodge at Alltbeithe, even with an air strip must be be one of the loneliest places.
- Loneliest house in the glen
- Loch Quoich bridge
- Spidean Mialach from the descent down Sron a'Chuilinn
- Allt Coire Peitireach
Stopped at the Glengarry Hotel for a beer and entertainment, provided by a blue rinse American tourist. Who ordered a meal, ate 95% of it, then complained about the Branston pickle on the plate, refused to pay and did a runner. Barman, 2 waitresses and the duty manager(owner?) gave chase into the car park. All well in the end as the meal was paid for and a tip for the waitress who was 'very nice and polite'
Good too see the pics you guys have taken of these hills as I didnt see much
Great views all round thought.
