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Patiently waited all summer for a combo of weather, weekend or day off - Mamores have been on our radar screen for a few months. This week has been the best for many and I had Monday off so we rocked up to Glen Nevis Sunday night. Midges at almost acceptable level for a wee change
We had decided to go clockwise unlike most of the other reports - if you don't read anything else in this report, do NOT try going over the stile near the end when descending off Mullach nan C, the path is not a path despite it looking like a fast descent down, was the worst part of our day.
Anyway, to the walk itself - me and the boy did a 9 last summer when he was a year younger, (33km walk, 2940m ascent) so this should have been well within our grasp. We could have probably made the 10 but we both had commitments the next day and only got back to Edinburgh at 10.45pm so likely made the right decision re leaving one behind (Sgurr a'Mhaim). I reckon the walk reports are maybe a bit short/light so bear that in mind. Timing wise we were just over an hour under Naismith's rule without Sgurr a'M ...
Dropped son and friend at car park at end of Glen Nevis then drove back to where we'd finish to avoid c3km extra walk after a long day. The wee jog (closer to 2.5km than 3km) was a nice warm up. Walking up the Glen the views were already unfolding - the Ben was fantastic and walkers heading up there must have had amazing views. Broadly speaking we were following other reports/routes but in reverse. Conditions excellent so map was really used just to check in from time to time. Route map should attached.
Just a short report - I would recommend doing it the other way like most others have, I reckon Sgurr a'M is best tackled early before being too tired. Binnein Beag is not too high so would not feel like too much of a stretch if it was last. That said, if Sgurr a'M was not a decent out and back or I had not been doing anything the next day then we'd have done it.
Crossing the river is the first challenge, pair of flip flops might not be a bad call. Binnein Beag is not really pathed from this side but not all that tough and we had splendid view of what was in store for the day. The path off and round to the bealach/plateau below Sgurr Eilde Mor is fine. Dog very happy to have plenty of burn and so on to keep hydrated. We had 2L skins/bladders in our daysacks plus three bottles (which we refilled a couple of times) so water not a problem, partly as there had been plenty of rain recently.
Happy to drop our packs and bash up SEM, ran down the descent on scree for as long as it was there, good weather, good shape at this stage ! Highilight of SEM is getting onto the wee ridge and
- note how narrow it is (nice buzz)
- amazing views down to Kinlochlevel side
That was the dog's 100th Munro, good job for him, although the bits of scrambling to come were not his favourite.
Hitting the bealach from the good stalkers' path saw some wind appear, stronger than forecast so minor concern for some of what was still to come, temp dropped as well so we knocked off the top and moved on to find some shelter for food. Onto Na G and still a very enjoyable walk, views unbeatable.
From Na G, rather than summit Stob Coire a'Chairn we took the bypass path round to the bealach between SCC and An Gearanch. Easy enough and not too much of a drop. Dropped bags again and this time the weight differential was noticeable - cracking wee ridge, not much fun for dog in places but not too challenging either. Back to bealach and I rewarded myself with a change of socks, bloody marvellous feeling
Stupidly I had moved 1m from my bag location though and then set off without my poles as my bladder/skin was not releasing water so got focussed on that. Realised at top of SCC that poles (Leki) gone and no way I was heading down and up so some lucky person has a pair of poles that are def well used but also have mileage left !
At this point we were in review mode due to time and our friend having a stitch so speed limited, we agreed to make a final decision at Am Bodach.
Lovely walk across there, but we were no longer picking up time on Naismith and it was going to be a mission to get 10 done in any reasonable time plus the Devils Ridge looked like it needed care. Grown up decision taken and off to Stob Ban and MnanC. Views continued to be staggering and the walk over to MnanC was really enjoyable despite tired legs, def one to be savoured. We also got to see Sgurr a'M in all its glory so that we can look forward to enjoying it another day.
Hats off to the folks who get all 10 done ! Photos here, maybe some other attached, if so, apologies
https://www.flickr.com/gp/93579771@N06/0v5XoN