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With another astonishing weather forecast for this weekend, dry and warm, it made sense to relegate the cycling and get high in the mountains. Checked various options that would be suitable for my ongoing injury issues, and Julie's graded exposure into some fine mountain ranges, so I chose Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean (part of the Mamores range) from Kinlochleven. A walk taking in the highest summit of the Mamores - Binnien Mor, under 15K, nice ridges, not too much ascent, great views, a pathless descent and from an area/starting point I'd yet to visit - Kinlochleven. In comparison to our last 2 walks I was hoping this walk would be quieter and have a sense of remoteness, I was also looking forward to the views from the summits as my previous walking of the Mamores, the 10 in one day, presented none at all!!
Left Glasgow at 7.00, it wasn't long before I stopped to take in some sunrise photos from Luss at Loch Lomond.
The drive up was lovely. The sun slowly showing itself from behind mountain tops, rising into the blue skies. Rannoch Moor, with its vast landscape, and Glencoe with rugged mountains looking particularly alluring. Arrived at our starting point without issues and good to go at 9.30am.
Made sure I read the instructions several times so I wouldn't get lost in the woodland, which is the setting for the first part of the walk. Thankfully no wrong turns and soon open moorland is reached giving way to stunning views back west to Loch Leven.
Continue East for another 4K across the moorland. Was really enjoying the wide open space at this point, and the going was very easy on a good path. Only issue was ticks, which would continue for the duration of the walk. I just got on with it though as didn't want anything to enjoy the walk. Julie was using language that I hadn't heard from her before, poor girl
There is the option of a steep ascent up to Sgor Eilde Beag to reach the plateau but we decided on the easier route which took in a closer look at Coire an Lochain (CaL)and Sgurr Eilde Mor.
To reach the plateau head NE from the Northern tip of CaL and head up an array of zig zags. Looking back East.
And after taking it very easy to this point, as we did the full day, we reached the plateau which gave access to the ridges and our two targets for today.
Binnien Mor to the right.
The ticks were rampant on the ridge so we kept moving and soon reached the summit of Binnien Mor
I took a wander further along the ridge then took some photos looking back South to the summit.
Spoke to Julie regarding the ridge to Na Gruagaichean, she was fine with this. I explained it looked narrower than it actually was
The walk along the ridge was superb, the views N & NW to the Aonachs, Grey Corries and Nevis looking majestic in the searing hazy sunshine.
Julie scrambling up the boulder field which just before the summit of Na Gruagaichean.
When we reached the summit Julie couldn't help but hug some rock
We sat on the summit for an hour or so and took in the wonderful views, the sun belting of our faces...bliss! I was surprised that we couldn't see any other walkers, we only seen one walker at the start and had briefly chatted, this gave the illusion of us being the only people on these mountain ranges. An illusion we gladly embraced
It was now time to head down the mountain. This was the most difficult part of the walk as it involved descending 2k SW from Leach Na h-Aire to reach a path which takes you through the woodland again and to the finishing point. Much care and attention was giving here.
We finally made the path and made our way back through the woodland to the car.
We both felt pretty dirty at the end and made way to the public toilets in Kinlochleven for a wash and change. On route home we stopped at the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum which served up a decent menu for us two veggies. We gorged on spicy lentil burgers with onion rings and chips
Arrived back in Glasgow at 10pm.
Kinlochleven was very nice, I plan to cycle around the loch very soon, and the walk was fantastic...not long till winter now
