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Date. 22nd November 2009
Completed by. Dave, Julie and Wilson
Weather. mist with poor visibility. Snow and wind on tops
Distance. 25 km
Time. 9 hrs 20 mins
Beinn Challum
Starting from Kenknock farm Glen Lochy
Starting from Kenknock farm we headed along the river Lochy past Badour and past an area named Batavine for a further 2.5 km. At this stage weather was ok and I was able to see the hills up this glen for the first time in 3 trips, (was not to last though).
As soon as we started the ascent down came the mist and rain, this only got progressively worse as we gained height
We headed straight up just south of Stob Bhiora in a due west direction avoiding the steep crags that were constantly north of us.
Rain was now dinging it down and was getting quite blustery the higher we got, and by the time we reached about 800m we even got some more snow to accompany what was already lying.
With constant map checking and navigation we reached the summit and the large cairn. Spent 2 mins getting a couple summit pics then decided to make our descent.
- was there the last time i looked
- Julie prior to the summit
- Julie on the summit
Heading north north west off the summit for about 1km then headed north east avoiding as much of the crags as best we could, we then headed down to the Allt Challuim where we would eventually meet the 4x4 track !!
When we reached the Allt Lairig Mhic Bhaidein we soon realised there was no crossing at this point I decided to head up the Allt Lairig Mhic Bhaidein but my wife wanted to head down to the Allt Challium and reach the track.
I assumed higher up the waterpower and speed would be much reduced making a crossing so much easier “ how wrong I was “.
Was now well after 4 pm was quickly getting dark, and still there was no easy way across. Decided we could not keep going north west so the dog went on his lead and in we went with the wife directly behind me, Knee deep we wadded across the fast flowing water and over to the RIGHT side.
Now its nearly pitch black, not a star in the sky and its over 1km to reach the 4x4, its still pouring with rain but thankfully the wind has now gone.
Took about 40 mins to reach the track, but once on the more solid ground we managed to pick up the pace for the final 7km hike back to the car.
If im honest the biggest problem with the navigating was trying to locate the car took us about 15 mins, it was so so close, but in the very dark night and heavy rain my petzl Tekka Plus head torch never had the range of 25 metres that’s stated.
Looks like I possibly should have went with the wife’s instinct and headed down on to the Allt Challuim. (I should listen to her next time)