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My objective on Sunday was to ascend the sub 2000 Marilyn Bidein Clann Raonaild and get some nice views of Torridon in the forecast clear air. As I left the house it was a chilly -10oC and I had a good feeling that there would be some great views on this trip.
Little Wyvis (Corbett) from near the Achilty Hotel
As I passed Garve it became more and more white and the views just got better and better.
Sgurr a’ Mhuillin (Corbett) outlier and Loch a’ Chuillin
Although the road was in good condition, it was getting very, very cold as I got nearer Achnasheen!!
Nearly as cold as my freezer! 8O
Fionn Bheinn (Munro)
The hamlet of Achnasheen flew by in a wink as usual but I started to get some good views towards Torridon.
Sgurr Dubh(Corbett) & Liathach(Munros) across Loch a’ Chroisg
Liathach, Bidein Clan Raonaild(Sub 2000 Marilyn) & Beinn Eighe(Munros)
Now for the bad news!
It proved to be impossible to get a parking spot anywhere near the start point for Bidein Clann Raonaild, as either side of the road was covered in ploughed snow and there was no way I was prepared to block the road in order to dig out a space for the car.
However, I decided to make the best use of my time and started on a tour of Torridon to take some pictures – sit back and enjoy as today was really special!
.First hill is visible as you enter Kinlochewe near the Incheril turn off.
Meall a’ Ghiuthais(Corbett)
Took the next shot just by Kinlochewe’s petrol station.
Robin and Beinn Eighe from Kinlochewe
Given where the sun was, I decided to head off up Loch Maree to get some pics and it was an absolute pleasure to see peak after snowy peak.
Slioch(Munro)
Slioch Zoom
I had wondered about heading up by Slattadale to get a shot of Baosbheinn but reckoned that the light would be wrong, so headed up to the Loch Maree Hotel to get some pictures by the wee piers where I’d taken the boat over to do Beinn Lair & Meall Mheinnidh in July.
Saw a pair of one of my favourite birds by an old pier.
Migrant Whooper Swans by Loch Maree Hotel
However, it wasn’t only the wildlife that was of interest here as the views across Loch Maree’s islands were fantastic, just follow the link below to see what I saw.
<<<Click Here For Loch Maree Hotel Pano>>>Here’s the same hills pictured individually.
Beinn Airigh Charr(Corbett)
Meall Mheinnidh(Graham)
Beinn Lair(Corbett)
Having really enjoyed Loch Maree, I decided to head for Loch Clair, hoping to get some good shots of Liathach & Beinn Eighe. The temperature even at midday was -9oC but in the sunshine it was actually quite nice as I walked down the icy track (my Kahtoola Microspikes were great on this surface).
Loch Clair Outflow
As I walked along the track I could see the sun glinting off the hoar frost and took the following picture which shows just how delicate the frost crystals are.
Hoar frost on stem
However, my main target was to take a decent picture of Liathach and I just couldn’t believe how perfect the conditions were – I must have taken about twenty shots!
Liathach
Zoom shot of the eastern Munro.
Spidean a’ Choire Leith(Munro)
Of course it isn’t all about Munros round here and the next shot is of a very fine Corbett.
Sgurr Dubh(Corbett)
How to spoil a picture.....
Cuillin with Loch Clair & Liathach behind
Of course Loch Clair also gives a good view of the mighty Beinn Eighe, so here’s a link to a pano shot.
<<<Click Here For Beinn Eighe Pano>>>Well all good things come to an end and it was time to head off back home, leaving the blue sky and virtually windless clear air behind.
Looking back to Torridon
As I approached Achnasheen, it was more like entering a zoo as there were deer all over the place.
A couple of stags
A couple of hinds
Just a perfect day all round and even though I didn’t get much of a walk, I wouldn’t have missed any part of the day.
