We started at Gualin House approx. 160m, parking just after it on the left. It was a lovely sunny day and the 2 hour walk along Strath Dionnard was a delight. We even saw some green shanks and heard the ubiquitous cuckoos. About 1 km before the loch we turned inland to follow the stream taking us towards A' Cheir Ghorm. No path now and the way was loose stones. We sat looking at the steep side determining the best line to take. We decided to start just to the left of the "vertical" rock face. Before that H offered a harness and rope, which I not being a natural steep side walker and a friend of heights, decided to accept.
So up we go. The side was covered in loose stones and it seemed steep to me although H wasn't having any trouble. He picked the best way, the stones started sliding under foot but they never went far. I can't tell you how long it took but I was grateful for the rope. I looked neither up nor down but eventually we were on the ridge just before the cairn. That was 2 hours from leaving the river.
Now along the ridge, that was mostly OK and we went round the right side of a small tower. Looming ahead was a steep slope to join the main ridge at 869m. There was a path now which went to the right of the rocks and so didn't feel exposed. Eventually I was allowed a rest! How wide it seemed and the views were terrific. The weather was very kind as well. 5.5 hours from the start.
It was a lovely walk down and then up to the eastern cairn of Ganu Mor admiring the views and then along to the higher cairn 911m and down to the saddle.We didn't go up to Ceann Garbh but started to go NW and contour and descend trying to take a route that best avoided the boulders.
After a while we could see what we were aiming for. It was along way back to Gualin House 3 hours 20 from Ganu Mor.
However it was a great day out and an adventure for me 10 hours in total.