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Nearly Binned Binnein

Nearly Binned Binnein


Postby Fife Flyer » Sun May 24, 2015 6:48 pm

Route description: Binnein Mòr and Na Gruagaichean, Mamores

Munros included on this walk: Binnein Mòr, Na Gruagaichean

Date walked: 23/05/2015

Time taken: 9 hours

Distance: 18 km

Ascent: 1600m

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The planning of this walk was really last minute, I was all geared up and started loading the car on Friday with the intention of heading back into the Cairngorms. My bike is still sitting in the garage with the front wheel off after the last trip to the Gorms, however I was about to load it into the car and noticed the rear tyre was flat - hmmm. So I inflated it and then inspected the tyre for anything obvious and returned a couple of hours later and it had almost deflated. I did not fancy the walk into & from Derry Lodge so I had to come up with an alternative, I have to confess I wasn't really sure if my legs would cope with a 30km + walk in the Gorms after the previous weeks Skye trip, but the bike sorted out that problem :lol:
So after checking my red balloon situation I opted for Binnean Mor and the neighbour that no one can pronounce (apart from Simon) Na Gruagaichean, I was determined not to miss the fairly decent weather forecast so I asked Karen, Andy & Simon if they fancied another day out. Karen wasn't exactly jumping at the chance as she was still literally bruised and battered, but agreed to come and get some fresh air. Andy on the other had not long returned from Glenfinnan (another long day) and was also feeling a little shabby, he opted to make his final decision on the Saturday morning and as you can guess he couldn't resist the temptation to give his body more punishment :lol:
We agreed to meet at the start at 9am and when we arrived at the car park we were chatting to a couple who were off elsewhere but told us they did these 2 hills a couple of weeks ago with no issues, so with that endorsement ringing in our ears we opted to leave the winter tackle in the car 8)

ImageDSCF2408 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Ready to go

The start of the walk is literally littered with paths that go in every direction, some sign posted others not and as usual we ended up going up a wrong path, but we soon corrected that by cutting across nice grassy slopes.

ImageDSCF2421 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Kinlochleven & Loch Leven, views opening up as we get higher

ImageDSCF2427 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Karen with her trousers rolled up, she had been showing us her numerous bruises

The path heads uphill at a nice gradient and the views really open up, we were following a large group of guys overtook them when they stopped for a break and a bit of banter ensued about the 'bright' colour of my baselayer. It wasn't until we were over 600m that we had to put another layer on, could summer really be arriving at last :lol:

ImageDSCF2430 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/,

ImageDSCF2435 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Andy supervising Karen crossing a burn

The path takes you round to the east of Sgor Eilde Beag with a lochan and Sgurr Eilde Mor on the right hand side, there were a couple of snow patches to trample across and with plenty of foot steps to follow in it was easy going.

ImageDSCF2458 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/,

ImageDSCF2462 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/,

Once we rounded the base of Sgor Eilde Beag we got our first view of Binnean Mor and the ridge ahead of us, even at this time things didn't look very good. Almost the whole east side of the long ridge had snow clinging to it, apart from one section which as we closer appeared to be very rocky and impossible to ascend :(

ImageDSCF2464 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Sgurr Eilde Mor

ImageDSCF2466 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Still going up, the ridge can be seen ahead

We met a lady (Toni) who was also intending to go up to Binnean Mor, we invited her to join us, however her company was short lived as she didn't fancy continuing after we crossed a large snow field, hope you got down safely, was good to meet you :wink:

ImageDSCF2468 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Toni at the rear across yet more snow

ImageDSCF2473 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Coire a' Bhinnein

ImageDSCF2476 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Steep grassy slope uphill

It was at this point we had a discussion, there was no obvious safe way to reach the ridge, so we decided to descend and possibly access the ridge via Sgor Eilde Beag which looked doable from a distance :wink:

ImageDSCF2488 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Descending across the snow, Andy wanting to be on a tightrope?

As we approached the ridge up Sgor Eilde Beag we noticed a couple on the upper slopes who obviously had the same idea as us. The sight of them made our decision easier, so off we go up again :lol: The initial slopes were nice and grassy, however much to Andy's displeasure, that didn't last long, not only did the gradient get steeper, it became rocky and scrambly. As you will probably have noticed I am now getting photo's from the front and rear, which involved either scampering ahead or dropping back :lol:

ImageDSCF2500 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, The ascent of Sgor Eilde Beag

ImageDSCF2502 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Once I reached the higher slopes the ridge came into view and one or two other walkers were on it

ImageDSCF2504 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Sgurr Eilde Mor from a bit higher

ImageDSCF2511 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Action shot of Andy enjoying the climb

ImageDSCF2512 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Action shot of Karen just going over the top onto the ridge

ImageDSCF2514 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Side on shot to show the angle of gradient, didn't look that steep from a distance :lol:

ImageDSCF2516 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, We reached the ridge and Andy's face says it all 8)

ImageDSCF2519 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, looking back to Sgor Eilde Beag with Sgurr Eilde Mor to the left

Now it was just a matter of making progress along the ridge to Binnein Mor.

ImageDSCF2520 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Binnein Mor in cloud

ImageDSCF2526 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Andy arriving at the summit area

Binnein Mor has a very narrow ridge at the top with a few points that could be the highest point, we covered all the bases and went right along to the far end to get a few photo's. As the highest of the Mamores the views were superb, but as usual we couldn't decide which hill was which :lol: I had carried my flexible tripod all the way so after a bit of faffing around I managed to get 3 fairly decent shots. You have to remember that I only have 10 seconds to get into position, so I think I did pretty well :lol:

ImageDSCF2537 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Summit photo

ImageDSCF2539 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Binnein Beag

ImageDSCF2541 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Na Gruagaichean

ImageDSCF2543 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, looking NW

ImageDSCF2532 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, huge amount of snow lying on the east facing slope of Binnein Mor

It was kind of chilly on the summit and we didn't hang around for too long, especially after the struggle of actually getting there :lol: Next it was a matter of clambering across the narrow part of the ridge which was covered with large boulders, before descending down to the ridge leading across to Na Gruagaichean.

ImageDSCF2552 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, leaving the summit and clambering over the boulders

ImageDSCF2555 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, What is Andy doing?

ImageDSCF2565 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Ridge across to Na Gruagaichean

Whilst on the ridge to na Gruagaichean we met a couple of guys who were heading in the opposite direction, their plan was to descend the way we intended to come up, so after pointing out the problem on the map, they opted for a safer descent - hope you guys enjoyed the day :wink:

ImageDSCF2572 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Rocky approach to Na Gruagaichean

ImageDSCF2578 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Smile, curse or grimace or all three :lol:

ImageDSCF2570 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Descent route, down the shoulder

We reached the summit of Na Gruagaichean and Andy actually admitted enjoying the climb up to it's summit 8) Quick photo and we turned left and headed down the shoulder, as per WH route :wink:

The descent was easy but we seemed to wander all over the place, there is no obvious path, so I was trying to keep us on the WH route, which was certainly the most gentle gradient descent wise. However it did involve either crossing boulder fields, slipping and sliding on tufty grass and the usual heather of course.

ImageDSCF2583 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Kinlochleven zoom

ImageDSCF2598 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Coire na Ba'

Once we reached the bottom of the shoulder/descent we had a choice, climb over a deer fence or the suggested WH option, head down to the sheep pens and pick up the track. We opted for the latter, however that still involved climbing over 2 small fences, the second one of which Karen really made a meal of :lol: :lol: That little episode/incident certainly amused us all and being a true professional I happened to catch it on camera. Karen don't scroll down :lol: :lol:

ImageDSCF2605 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 1

ImageDSCF2606 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 2

ImageDSCF2607 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 3

ImageDSCF2608 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 4

ImageDSCF2610 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 5

ImageDSCF2611 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 6, here comes the hero

ImageDSCF2612 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 7

ImageDSCF2613 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 8, guess what's going to happen?

ImageDSCF2614 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 9

ImageDSCF2615 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/126167535@N05/, Take 10, what a gent

After all the fun and games it was now just a matter of following the path/road down into Kinlochleven, however it doesn't go the most direct way, we picked up the West Highland Way near the bottom which near enough took us back to the car park.
Another great and interesting day, which could have turned into a non event. HUGE thanks to Karen and Andy for their company (again), safe drive south Andy and don't forget to give us a shout next time you are heading north of the wall :wink: Forecast not looking too clever for the rest of the week, was planning to be Gorms bound, but have to get the bike sorted before I head up that way :( So I don't know what is going to be next :lol:
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby kmai1961 » Sun May 24, 2015 7:05 pm

Oh, Martin...! :oops: :oops: :oops: :lol:
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby AJNicholls » Sun May 24, 2015 7:32 pm

Oh wow, crying with laughter here. Classic! :clap: :clap:

Back down to Brizzle safely, thanks for another great walk both of you. :D
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby Fife Flyer » Sun May 24, 2015 7:52 pm

kmai1961 wrote:Oh, Martin...! :oops: :oops: :oops: :lol:


I did warn you not to scroll down :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby skuk007 » Sun May 24, 2015 8:12 pm

Nice report, enjoyed reading that, looks like you had a great day out.
I hope to be tackling these two when I eventually resume my bagging ways.
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby simon-b » Sun May 24, 2015 8:36 pm

Well done for conquering these two, despite the obstacles. It looks as if that fence was harder to climb than Sgurr Dubh Mor! I had a good day on Gulvain, and could see the Mamores were clear, so knew you should get a view. A nice last day for Andy!
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby Beaner001 » Sun May 24, 2015 10:32 pm

You lot are a glutton for punishment :lol:
Well done and good sport Karen :D
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby rockhopper » Sun May 24, 2015 11:16 pm

Some gentleman you are, huh ! Never mind not giving your companion a hand....you keep the camera rolling ! :shock: :wink:

The early weather was certainly good yesterday before clouding over - these hills are on the return list having seen zilch the first time round - hope I get to see as much as you when I do :roll: - cheers :)
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby AnnieMacD » Sun May 24, 2015 11:43 pm

What a great report and what a sport you are, Karen. I can't believe you photographed the whole episode.
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby Fife Flyer » Mon May 25, 2015 6:21 pm

rockhopper wrote:Some gentleman you are, huh ! Never mind not giving your companion a hand....you keep the camera rolling ! :shock: :wink:


AnnieMacD wrote:What a great report and what a sport you are, Karen. I can't believe you photographed the whole episode.


I knew the cavalry was rushing to assist so in the interest of a great story I just had to capture the moment :wink: It also made the report a wee bit more interesting :lol: :lol:
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby The Rodmiester » Mon May 25, 2015 7:45 pm

Martin, how could you? Glad Karen can see the funny side though :clap: :clap: I might have done the same :lol: :lol: Great times, no doubt fun was had by all :D
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby Mal Grey » Tue May 26, 2015 11:08 am

Nice report, plenty of adventure and some excellent sporting action shots at the end ;)

Binnein looks like an excellent hill, a bit of the Mamores I haven't been to.
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby BlackPanther » Tue May 26, 2015 1:41 pm

:lol: :lol: :lol: Fence climbing can be dangerous!

Looks lie a fantastic ridge up there. Still to do these 2 to finish the Mamores, hopefully in June, when the snow thaws a bit more.
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby Huff_n_Puff » Tue May 26, 2015 6:11 pm

That looks like a great route - and I look forward to reading Karen's revenge 8) 8)
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Re: Nearly Binned Binnein

Postby jepsonscotland » Tue May 26, 2015 9:37 pm

Great job all! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Big hills, look great in pics. :D
Good incentive to get those done now..............

What's your plan for 200th??????

Chris
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