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Forecast was looking ok and I was hopeful I'd get away with Big Jesper, for his return after a bad back injury. Alas, events conspired against him. (Get well soon, Alasdair!)
- Nice early morning reflections on Loch Arkaig.
Forecast meant looking around the Kintail region. Eventually opted to try and get Sgurr Mor out the way, though hadn't felt enthused about tackling it from reading reports. As it was, I had a cracking day and fair enjoyed myself, though it was no stroll in the park.
- Time to reflect.
Great drive up, with some stunning views on the roller coaster along Loch Arkaig
Absolutely beautiful! Only distraction was two separate cars who drove for miles with me in their wing mirrors, apparently yet to suss meaning of "passing place." Thought I would be only one at car park, but instead, could hardly get a place. Don't mention motorhomes. Oooops, I just did
- Think that's Gulvain up on left. Perhaps, Streap or, Sgurr Thuilm, the pointy one?
Set off along the prescribed route, basking in early sunshine, enjoying the views and wondering if the midges were planning their first assault of the year. As it was, their annual fast continued for a few days more
- Bidein a' Chabair, from Loch Arkaig
- Strathan. Streap, a Corbett, left and Sgurr Thuilm, right.
Looked amazing into Glen Dessary. Who carried in the bricks for that lodge?! And Bidean a'Chabhair looks a beaut. Bet I'm not first to think "that will be Sgurr nan Ciche, then."
- Bidean a'Chabhair, 859m, doing a good impersonation of Sgurr na Ciche :)
A few other walkers about, one of whom I spotted well above me as I departed from the road, having crossed the wee bridge before the farm. Quite a climb up to the pass, then Sgurr Mor appears somewhat shrunken looking, as one meanders round the boggy bits, heading for Glen Kingie.
Looking down on the glen, Sgurr Mor now began to look a much tougher nut to crack. Stopped to discuss plans with the other guy. Had different agenda, so went our own ways. I stuck to left of several deep gouges straight ahead. He went more to the west, in a reversal of what was to be my way dowe.
- After the hard slog up, a look out to the Corbett, Sgurr an Fhuarain.
- Looking back along ridge to Sgurr Mor. Sgurr na Ciche beyond.
It was steep and hard going, right up to the bealach. I've no great ambitions to do all the Corbett's, but as it "only a little extra effort," felt it was worth doing Sgurr an Fhuarain first 😁 It didn't feel like only a little extra effort when I finished the walk!
- The approach pass between Fraoch Bheinn and Druim a' Chuirn, round to Sgurr Mor.
- Sgurr a'Mhaoraich, on the other side of Loch Quoich.
- Sgurr Mor, from Sgurr an Fhuarain.
By now it was more hazy, but still enjoyed good views over Loch Quoich, Ben Nevis and back along nice ridge to Sgurr Mor. Retraced my steps to the bealach and set off on the nice climb to the summit. Met the other chap, who was descending coming the opposite direction. Took under the hour from one top to the other. Sgurr nan Ciche and Knoydart look magnificent.
- Pano west, of Knoydart hills.
- South Glenshiel Ridge, Loch Quoich & Gairich.
- Sgurr na Ciche 3.
What to do now? Was feeling pretty jiggered, but I like my circular routes, so decided to carry on round, off the SW ridge, which was quite pleaseant, but on contemplating the extra 150m ascent going over Sgurr Beag and resultant longer trip back, decided just to drop down, there and then. Obviously am not the only one to take that option, as the spot is marked by a cairn and evidence of other footfall.
- Look back at the pair.
Was a bit rough going here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary. The wee slog back up to the pass didn't thrill me too much either, but was nice getting back down into Glen Dessary.
- Bidein a' Chabair, heading back into Glen Dessary.
- Glen Dessary Lodge, in the distance.
- Streap, left and Sgurr Thuilm, right.
Also, enjoyed nice views of the hills to the south, then was treated to the spectacle of the local deer having a fun paddle and swim in LochArkaig, before the long-ish trek home. All in all, another excellent day on one of these hills one isn't really looking forward to.
- Anyone for a paddle, dear?
- Look back after a fab day!
- Over Loch Lochy, to Ben Nevis.
- A closer look.