free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I had caught the bus down to Kintail with the Moray Mountaineering Club, fully expecting most of the others to be heading for the Five Sisters or the Saddle. I was pleasantly surprised to find I would have some company, as 4 others were also heading my way.
Alighting from the bus at the layby on the A87, we started the ascent up what is possibly the steepest half-k in Scotland. No chance to warm the legs up here, its Up, Up Up all the way. I huffed and puffed my way to the bealach, shedding layers as I went, and was rewarded with this fine view:
- the Five Sisters from the East.
- East from the bealach
Now the hardest part of the day was over and we could enjoy the ridge walk, in fantastic conditions. hardly a breath of wind and good visibility. Saileag was reached quickly and unremarkably but the good weather meant great views in all directions.
- Looking back to Saileag.
Soon we were ascending the snowy slopes of Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirgh, the summit of which is out on an interstlingly narrow spur. There was a bit more snow up here, being the biggest hill of the day.
- Gigantic summit cairn
Onwards and downwards, quite a considerable loss of height between Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheairgh and Aonach Meadhoin. A wee break at the bealach, where pieces were had and views were admired, then it was up up and away again, following the steepening rocky ridge to Aonach Meadhoin. A wee snow shower chased us to the summit so we didn't linger here. Quite a lot more snow on this hill, particularly on the descent. However after crossing Sgurr an Fhuarail the snow soon disappeared and a long, gentle grassy ridge took us all the way down to the Cluanie Inn.
- Cairn at 864m
- The famous Cluanie Inn
A fantastic day out, in unexpectedly good conditions.