Beinn nan Oighreag, Glen Lochay

[maxie23]

I had planned to travel up to Kinlochleven for a three night camping trip but unfortunately the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday promised constant rain, leading to a last minute cancellation.
Wednesday morning looked very promising, so I took an early morning drive to Killin and then up the single track road alongside the Lochay river.
Very quiet road, with very few obvious passing places.
Parked in the small lay by just over the Allt Dhuin Croisg bridge and walked back to the 'Access to Meall Ghaordaidh' gate and began walking uphill.
I intended to follow the Allt Dhuin Croisg for a while and then head directly up to Beinn nan Oighreag.
The plan was to go up Beinn nan Oighreag and then descend down into the bealach and up to Meall Ghoardaidh, didn't quite work out that way.
It was a bit chilly to begin with but before long the bright early morning sunshine put a bit of heat in you.
There was something very therapeutic about walking through sunlit fields, filled with sheep and young lambs and not another human about.
When I got my first glimpse of Beinn nan Oighreag, I stopped for a bite to eat and took some photos, weather was still clear and sunny at this point.Early morning view down to Glen Lochay by robert irvine, on FlickrMeall Ghaordaidh by robert irvine, on FlickrMeall Ghaordaidh summit. by robert irvine, on FlickrFirst view of Beinn nan Oighreag. by robert irvine, on FlickrPicnic at the burn. by robert irvine, on Flickr
On the way up, my left boot had been rubbing at my heel a bit so I took off my sock and applied a little bit of padding and then carried on walking.
The walk up to the ridge was quite pleasant, through the heather on a reasonably dry hillside, not many boggy bits to avoid.
I just picked the easiest looking way up the slopes.
It began to cloud over a bit as I approached the top, the wind became a lot cooler and my heel began to nip quite a bit.
Once at the south summit, I had a quick look at the descent route down into the bealach.
It didn't appear too ominous and there was a clear line of fence posts to follow.
Made my way up to the summit cairn, more photos and a bite to eat.Meall Ghaordaidh peak by robert irvine, on FlickrLoch Lyon by robert irvine, on FlickrLoch Lyon by robert irvine, on FlickrView to Ben Nevis by robert irvine, on FlickrLawers range and Tarmachan ridge. by robert irvine, on FlickrMeall Ghaordaidh and Lochearnhead hills to the left. by robert irvine, on Flickr
It had turned very chilly now and some rather dark clouds were beginning to roll in from the south west.
I took my sock off to have a quick look at my heel, ouch !Blister on heel. by robert irvine, on Flickr
It really was a bit painful.
I cleaned it up and put some strapping on.First aid skills by robert irvine, on Flickr
Who's a clever boy then.
I didn't really fancy a big descent and then another climb up with a foot like that, so I made my way directly back down from Beinn nan Oighreag.
Meall Ghordaidh will have to wait for another day.
Just got back too the car as the rain started, maybe it was all meant to be.
Nice walk, bit shorter than planned.

Meall nan Oighreag.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

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[Jan Vi0la]

Thanks for your pics and account (hope the blister healed fast!). We were the only folk on this hill yesterday 16/10/20 and it is a great point from which to view some very rugged and remote country. Rather a murky, cold day but nevertheless "atmospheric" !

[maxie23]

Thanks for your pics and account (hope the blister healed fast!). We were the only folk on this hill yesterday 16/10/20 and it is a great point from which to view some very rugged and remote country. Rather a murky, cold day but nevertheless "atmospheric" !

Hi Jan Vi0la.
It is a nice hill with good views from the top.
Blister healed nicely thank you.
I like the term "atmospheric", could describe the weather on a lot of walks, cold, foggy wet and windy.

Regards

[alan54]

Wish I had read your report BEFORE I went to do Beinn nan Oighreag not after- you did a much better route!