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Work had been very hectic what with daily updates to Government regarding the measles and Cryptosporidium outbreaks in Scotland. To say that I was in dire need of a long hill day was a gross understatement and I had decided back in November that Beinn nan Aighenan would be done via lonely Glen Kinglas.
- Lonely Glen Kinglas
- Beinn nan Aighenan far in the distance
It was the ultimate tonic and the length and solitude would afford a cleansing of the body and mind. I arrived at Victoria Bridge for 0800 and was away at a good rate of knots, reaching Loch Dochard within an hour and a bit. The view across to Meall nan Eun is rewarding and being in this glen feels incredibly remote.
- Meall nan Eun across Loch Dochard
- Looking towards Stob Coire Albanaich
However, I saw a couple of people who had taken the trip in to camp beside the loch so it is clearly appreciated by others. I walked past Beinn Suidhe, a great wee hill and inexorably, Beinn nan Aighenan grew steadily closer. It is a small psychological blow to reach the high point of the land rover track and see that you have to descend a good few hundred feet to the bridge below the steep Eastern end of Beinn nan Aighenan. To have walked 10km and still to begin the ascent proper means that you need to knuckle down mentally and physically. However, the climb was straight up and brought me out on to a ridge which had no obvious path - it really is nice to go off the beaten track and explore what is left of the wild land of Scotland. The ridge undulates and allows for incredibly expansive views across Glen Kinglas and to the Munros directly North.
- Glen Kinglas expanse
- The long ridge to Aighenan
- The last snows of Winter
It is quite a place to while away time and mellow out. The sweeping ridge to the final summit brings you up to the cairn and views over to Stob Ghabhar and in the distance, the Cruachan massif.
- Summit cairn and the Cruachan massif
I had decided that I would continue down the other side and into Coire Caim. I topped up my water at a fast-flowing streambed and began the long walk back out. I felt that I was one of a few people who would walk out this way and managed to pick up the occasional deer path which made for good going. Within the hour, I was back on the land rover track, which felt good. I only had 5 miles to head for home but by this point, the legs weren't swinging so freely. Some Pearl Jam accompanied me and no doubt scared off the wildlife but by this point, any help was welcome. I arrived back at the car both physically tired but mentally had left all my worries in the hills. It was a beautiful day and one way of doing this hill that I would totally recommend.