One of the best days of my life. For many reasons. I had whittled the last few Munros down this year and it became clear Ladhar Bheinn would be my last Munro. Mid-October can be a dodgy time to hope for good weather but I was blessed. Graeme D and I have been walking together for 15 years since the inaugural bothy meet at the Tarf hotel in November 2009. The fact he’s put up with my terrible patter means he too would share this experience with me.

It was the red-eye experienced getting up at 0345, and making the 3 hour drive North to get to Mallaig for the boat over at 0730. We shook hands and discussed the venison that pops out on roads at such times, keeping us awake. A cat also ran in front of me but I didn’t hit it. There were only 6 going into Knoydart and as we turned right out of the harbour and sped towards Inverie, we were privileged to witness a beautiful sky over our objective.

We disembarked the boat, dropped our heavy packs at the Gathering (really rate this place) and began the walk up over the Mam Uidhe, and eventually into Glen na Guiserein. Our plan was to climb the south slopes of Ladhar Bheinn and take it from there; possibly combining with another Corbett. We hadn’t banked on snow on the tops but the dusting added to the experience. Once past Folach, we started the climb proper and the views back to Eigg were lovely.

It felt slightly surreal walking up my last Munro for compleation. We covered the usual topics such as politics, the world, our children and partners. But I think we were both feeling especially grateful at how fine a walk it was. It had been 3 years since we had been in Knoydart and it really is a magical place. As we took the final pull up from An Diallaid, we were absolutely blown away by the views at the broken trig point and then the summit cairn. It was absolutely stunning, whichever way you looked. Graeme had brought a wee malt for the summit and it was very welcoming, considering how cold it was up there. Bha e blasta !

As we descended off the summit and over towards the adjoining ridge to home, we both eyed up the Corbett in the distance. However, the terrain demanded attention so it took us a good hour to get over towards the Aonach Sgoilte. But this isn’t a hill to rush. We took our time and enjoyed every minute.

As we wound our way over to Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, I began to feel a huge sense of euphoria and tiredness, it had to be said. By the time we got to the Mam Sudheig, I told Graeme I was heading down while he committed to the Corbett. Good effort that man. The descent to the Glen was bloody torture it has to be said. I eventually hit the Land Rover track at about 4pm (8 hours after starting) and finally hit Inverie at 5.15. I was sorely tempted to have a pint in the Old Forge but headed back to the accommodation to wait for G. He arrived an hour later looking pretty knackered. An admirable effort that.

All that remained was to have some food, swallow a few celebratory ales and even the odd dram. All in all, it was a sublime experience. Indeed, the Munro journey is one I have been very privileged to have and these days will live long in my memory. If you got this far, thanks for reading! Slainte mhath!