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I started this Saturday with a decent drive at the first hole at 1028 and managed a steady par. Playing from the back tees as a two ball it was not long before we caught the three ball ahead and then our patience game started. Of course my shots began to get more erratic and I was two down after four. Crossing the road after a half at the par three we got an invite through. Promising, then we met the tail end of the ladies medal. Play slowed creating lots of time to lose interest, then the mind began to ask the question, why waste a good day. So I apologised and bailed out at the ninth to head for the hills which I felt would be more enjoyable than watching good weather go to waste.
I chose to head NW to Cul Mor just beyond Ullapool as the west seemed best. Beyond the Fannichs there was clear blue skies and minor fluffy clouds vindicating the choice of route. (click photos to enlarge)
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Caught a glimpse up the glen to Stac Pollaidh
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I arrived at the wee car park at 1400 and got suited and booted with a lighter summer back pack then off after a quick futile search for sun cream.The path was great and made for easy going over the gradual sloping terrain.
Nice early view across to Cul Beag
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The route ahead
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Caught a view over to the impressive Suilven.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I stopped to have a meet with a wee bunny who was enjoying the sunshine in between the stones.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Continuing on up to the large cairn at Meallan Diomhain I contemplated going clockwise west to north via Creag nan Calman.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I opted for the normal route anti clockwise route to avoid a wee drop. Then a big bird soared above the cliffs of the Coire Gorm, it was probably the only
eagle I would get close to today. I managed to snap a shot but it looked more like a wee midgie on an azure blue delph tile. The bird glided away toward Suilven, and I reckoned the wee bunny was safe for now.
Another impressive view of Suilven emerged.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A wee steep climb up the NE ridge led to some boulders where I put the poles away to safe guard them from damage. It was far easier to scramble over the rocks with both hands free.
A view up to summit with one person just visible at cairn.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A view out west
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I reached the summit ridge to see a decent cairn with trig point inset and met a lady and daughter.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The views were superb in all directions.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Down the west side
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Another impressive view down to Suilven.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A zoom over to Stac Pollaidh.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
After a wee while I moved on toward Sron Gharbh and down to the bealach before a short pull up to the top of Creagan nan Calman. The wee cairn was perched above the rocky cliffs and provided a grandstand seat to survey the environment. Superb views of Stac Polliadh, the surrounding lochs, the summer isles and Assynt.
Down to Stac Pollaidh
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I took many photographs then reluctantly moved on. I went down the NE ridge and contemplated heading over to Cul Beag. I reached an obvious path leading in that direction, I checked the map and could see the large descent I would be donating, so I chose to head back to car. I made a direct line to the road and eventually merged with the wee path. Another walker on holiday caught up with me and we chatted as we walked. Back at the car just after 1700 and I considered heading for a Fish supper at Ullapool or driving round to Cul Beag. Tails won so I headed round to Linneraineach and found a quite passing place to park just opposite the start of the stalkers path.
A view from roadside toward Stac Pollaidh.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I decided to travel ultralight and dumped the non-essential gear then set off up the track about 1800.
Another view toward SP from the edge of the small woods.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Higher up I found a cairn which I assumed marked the point to head for Cul Beag. Alas I could not find any obvious track so it was just a case of moving on and gaining height gradually. The terrain steepened and after some effort I reached a wee cairn at 141092. I could not find any water and I was thirsty. The wet spongy moss looked promising but yielded nothing drinkable. I must have lost about a litre of sweat on the climb up. Anyway, at the next section there was an obvious eroded path that made for easier walking. Then the summit ridge was reached with a prominent wee cairn positioned above the rocks. It was about 1930 so I sat about for a good while firing shots planning to catch the later stages of the sun set.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A view over to Cul Mor as the sun rays cast highlighting shadows.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I was really hoping to catch the sun as it sat on top of Stac Polliadh like a golden ball on the tee. Alas it did not get directly on top of it and I would have probably missed the shot.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Going..
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Going..
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Gone !
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The wind chill was getting up so I set off about 2000 for a rapid descent and a futile attempt to catch the Chipper. At one point one of the new leki poles stayed behind me and the lower section lifted right out, momentum ensued and a wee plastic ferule snapped. A small profanity was uttered and then I found a water hazard. Bonus, it was running water so I was able to get some relief by washing my salt crusted countenance and quench the thirst.
I used the other pole to tri leg it back to the car about 2100. I snapped some more shots of the sun setting from the road side then I got the foot down to Ullapool.
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Cul Mor and Cul Beag by
scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Then I arrived at Ullapool to find the infamous chipper was closed. So it was down to a warm roll and ham, crisps and a crunchie for dinner.
The roads were quiet and I was able to get back home safely in plenty of time for a couple of pints of refreshing Guinness.
Nice way to spend a Saturday. Plenty of time for golf another day.