We did this walk on 8th September 2015, sorry it’s taken so long, but life got in the way and haven’t got round to it. It does live as my favourite day in the mountains to date, and I have shown the photos so many times to those poor people who have never been to the Highlands !
We stayed in the very nice Kirriemuir B&B in lovely Shieldaig, a perfect base for three days of climbing…
... and successfully Bheinn Eighe !
We followed the excellent anti clockwise route described here, and not much to add on the very clear route other than to share some photos from Heaven ! It was a good 9 hours on the mountain due to lots of photos, and the otherwise wondrous finish in the gloaming meant we got bitten to hell on our elbows by some nasties on the stalkers’ track that definitely had a bigger bite than a midge !
Anyway, to the photos…
And so to the walk, a little bit of a trot along the road then straight up, quite easy going as described.
Nice chance to explore the different spurs here, giving nice views all around before taking on the first Munro on an up and back excursion...
On the top you get great views all around, and back where you came and showing what's to come
It's a sensational succession of views.
Don't forget to keep looking back, the views are great all round !
Views ahead...
Views to the side...
Now round the ridge, and there is a little sheep path that stops some up and down between the ridges - we found this by watching a fell runner apparently disappearing and then retracing his steps.
Looking East from the approach to Ruadh-stac Mhor
View West now comes clear
Having made the top we head back down then off down the right into the Coire, looks quite scary from the top but fine with hands !
Having made your way down at the bottom it takes a little while to get moving again.
Once you do, there are a succession of pools and then you reach Lochan Coire Mhic Fhearchair.
I have always wanted to skinny dip on a Munro, and finally did so. Look how beautiful it is !
This was actually a little foolish because a) it was (unsurprisingly in retrospect) heart stoppingly Baltic more than 6 inches below the surface and b) midges apparently love naked walkers trying to dry off in the Sun. Climbing partner laughing doesn’t help.
The lochan then becomes a beautiful waterfall with a lovely view of the amazing empty spaces here.
It's beautiful walking down from the waterfall to the glen.
Again, it's hard to keep moving since the 360 scenery is jaw dropping. My triple buttress photos weren't up to much, so at least I saved you those !
The walk back round the side is really easy going, but quite a way, so plan some time for this part if someone is meeting you.
Fortunately we only had a final meal and lash up at The Shieldaig Inn to consume.
What a day, and thanks to all you WH massive for all the information that helps relative newbies like me to enjoy them !
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.