Winter had arrived, snow across the Highlands was lying to lower levels but not yet consolidated on the munros, so we decide to head for Loch Kishorn and enjoy the Corbett Beinn Bhan. We parked by the bridge over the river Kishorn and followed a straight there and back route, trying to avoid boggy and undulating ground which would almost inevitably result in wet feet. The weather was surprisingly mild with no snow at sea level as we set out from the carpark at 8:40 for the initial walk up the road.

The Ocean Great White Oil Rig was an impressive site moored in the dry docks at Kishorn, it is the world’s largest semi-submersible offshore drilling rig, and the first Oil Rig to be serviced in the docks for nearly 40 years.
We continued up the road until we were just past the turning for the docks and then headed up the right hand side of the stream to access the initally broad ridge leading to Beinn Bhan. There were traces of a rough and somewhat boggy path which improved with height. The first patches of snow appeared at about 200m, patches gradually becoming larger until the path was hidden.

The broad ridge was strewn with boulders and craglets. It gradually ascended via numerous small dips with no obvious line to follow, just a matter of onwards and upwards which ever way looked easiest. The soft snow was lying on top of heather, but we didn't encounter any deep holes or drifts.

To our left we could see Coire a' Chaorainn

and to our right we could see across to Torridon


Behind us was Loch Kishorn

There was a short descent to the rim of Coire na' Feola with its sheer craggy wall

The incline leading down to Coire nan Aire was less sheer, but steep enough that a slip in the snow would could be unpleasant. But sandstone crags on the steep ridge ahead were purely awesome . We spent some time trying to identify the easy climbing /scramble up A'Chioch, hoping to return one long summers day to try it.

The snow was still soft on the steep ridge leading up to the summit plateau.


Which was impressive in itself
The weather was perfect to boil up snow for leisurely summit brew, enjoying the general ambience and the views.




But eventually we needed to make our way back.



Enjoying the rock scenery en route
and watching the moon rise over Torridon

reaching the van at 16:30. A day that makes you realise why you do it! 😊