Bridge of Orchy Pair

[chasmcc]

With another settled forecast we decide to head west and take in the two munros that form the northern perimeter of the Bridge of Orchy range. Its been a few years since our previous visit and it would be a pleasant change to stop at Achallader farm instead of motoring by on the A82 to Glencoe or Glen Etive tops.

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We set off about 08.00am after a short nap to get the travelling out of the system and a quick cuppa with breakfast. The walk in was soggy with the level ground saturated. The few burns were easily crossed and we opted for the path heading through Crannach wood. The track to the north of Water of Tulla is possibly the better option and avoid the wood altogether with the paths a bit fragmented.

View west after leaving Crannach wood

The rise towards Loch a' Chreachain was gradual and straight forward. Views opened north and west with a few showers blowing through the Black Mount tops and headed across Rannoch Moor. Fortunately, our tops were clear although the winter chill in the north westerly was keeping the temperatures low.

Coire an Lochain and Lochan a' Chreachain

North ridge towards Beinn a' Chreachain

We picked up the sun while make the final ascent to Beinn a' Chreachain. Slightly more snow than expected but great underfoot conditions. The wind was stronger at the summit cairn but not as severe as expected with the 360' views stunning and quite contrasty with the multiply peaks east and south to the level Rannoch Moor to the north.

View west from Beinn a' Chreachain

Head west along the ridge

Col before rising to Meall Buidhe

The traverse to Beinn Achaladair was superb with the power snow giving no issues on the final steep rise towards the cairn. There was a bit of ice about but nothing to cause concern.

Rise to Beinn a' Achaladair

Loch Tulla from Beinn a' Achaladair

Unfortunately some high level cloud was restricting the direct sun and light levels dropped as we headed down the south shoulder to the col at Coire Daingean. It gave the impression of late afternoon when in reality it was only after 01.00pm.

Looking east to Beinn a' Chreachain and Loch Lyon

East to the col above Coire Daingean

The path north back towards the farm via Coire Achaladair was like soup and had the waterproof trousers covered by the time we got back to the footpath over the railway. A quick dunk in the burn was needed before getting back to the car. A great early winter day with superb conditions on the tops.

Here is a short movie of the day...... have a look and tag along.

[Stefan1]

Excellent views up there! Bet the bog lower down wasn't fun...

[chasmcc]

Hi Stefan1.... a pair of waders would have been handy for the low level walking or a few nights of heavy frost to get things firmed up a bit......