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When you start hill walking there are a few iconic images you see regularly that provide some goals to strive for. Few of those are more striking than the view from the summit of An Teallach looking along it's serrated ridges. It's one of those scenes that as a lowlander you can't quite believe exists in Britain, surely this is a view from the Alps or the Rockies you think? but no it's in Britain and not actually that hard to get to
The last time we spent some time in the North West Highlands, about eight years ago, we had fully intended to attempt Bidein a'Ghlas Thuill but due to the weather and other things it just didn't happen. Upon our long awaited return it was top of the list. What wasn't on the list was a full traverse due to our own lack of hill fitness and the presence of of our faithful canine companion Hughie the Westie. Still a walk to witness one of the most iconic views in Britain on a beautiful summers day would do for us.
The parking was quite busy considering a relatively early start, no doubt people allowing plenty time for a long day, but we managed to dump the car and headed off up the Walkhighlands recommended older but slightly longer route to the summit.
Looking across Strath Beag by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Views starting to open up by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The Head of Little Loch Broom by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Views to Beinn Dearg and the Fannichs by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The initial stages of the path are quite eroded and rough but by the time the top of Glas Mheall Mor loomed into view the going was good and a very pleasant walk took in ever improving views out across the wondrous West Highland landscape.
Glas Mheall Mor by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Hughie by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Easy going over the slabs by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Little Loch Broom by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking towards the Fannichs by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Slowly but surely height is gained and exciting pointy things are spied, first our target for the day Bidein a'Ghlas Thuill and then the stunning Sgurr Fiona. The latter of these looks more and more impressive the closer you get as it soon achieves Cuillin equaling magnificence especially with Lord Berkeley's seat behind.
We had lunch taking in this and Coire Mor an Teallaich, one of several stunning coires on An Teallach before the final assault on the top.
Bidein a'Ghlas Thuil comes into view by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking down Coir'a' Mhuilin by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Towards Assynt by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking over Beinn nam ban to a distant Ben Kilbreck by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking back down to the road by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Sgurr Fiona joins the party by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Magnificent views behind us by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Sgurr Fiona, Wow! by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Coire Mor an Teallaich panorama by
Anthony Young, on Flickr (click for bigger version)
Looking out over Lochan Ruadh by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The final pull wasn't too bad at all with the going surprisingly solid over the scree and boulders. I am glad we followed the ridge rather than the diagonal sloping path however as we were rewarded with views down stunning Glas Tholl that for me rivaled the sight down to Toll an Lochain.
Glas Mheall Mor from the ridge up Bidein a'ghlas Thuill by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The magnificent Coire of Glas Tholl by
Anthony Young, on Flickr (click for bigger version)
Looking towards Sail Mhor by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Final pull up to the summit by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
And so the summit was attained with the views being everything that we'd hoped for on a simply stunning afternoon. We finished off our remaining rations taking it all in and despite my hints along the lines of "Sgurr Fiona looks amazing, should we not just do it now we're here?" we went no further.
Grace with Tad, our Munro mascot by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The ultimate photo opp? by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Looking over to the Quartzite topped Glas Mheall Liath by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
King of Westies by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Aimless Desire by
Anthony Young, on Flickr (click for bigger version)
Lunch spot by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Family summit shot by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
For our return we opted for the newer route as the ground was dry and it also provided variation. It was nicely graded and never too steep but it's potential for bogginess was all too apparent at times.
Hughie leads the way by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
The Beinn Dearg Munros by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Taking a breather by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Glas Mheall Mor from the descent by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Another look towards Beinn Dearg and friends by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
Last look back by
Anthony Young, on Flickr
We returned to the car to be politely confronted by a chap who informed us that we had parked on crown property when we really shouldn't have done. I did point out the complete lack of signage, a point which he conceded but I agreed not to park here again (I feel he may have forgotten me in another eight years
)
Turns out however as my better half works for the Civil service and therefore the crown we were perfectly entitled to park there after all. An interesting point for all you civil servants out there.