Dan and Graeme M (+ Graeme B until Munro 2) turned left to leave the crowds. Went up the ridge to Sgurr Breac and then backtracked onto A’Chailleach. At this point, Graeme B decided he could not hack the pace and went his own way! Dan and GM followed the steepest dry-stane wall down to some peat bog. After another circa 10 miles of bog we found ourselves at the top of Beinn a’Mhuinidh. After a short while we headed downhill towards Kinlochewe. Dan suggested going down a rocky stream (what could possible go wrong?) but Graeme M sensibly suggested the grassy slope. After 18 miles, we we’re glad of the pub!
Graeme B had the company of GM and DM over Sgurr Breac and A’Chailleach then forged his own route over Meallan Chuaich to trig point and then over Beinn nan Ramh dropping down to Leckie.
Mr and Mrs B, Jake, Fiona C, Fiona D, Alan D, Andy B climbed Groban had a photo shoot on the summit complete with confetti, of the newly weds! Continued on to climb second Graham Beinn Bheag and then headed out via the Heights of Kinlochewe. A great day and it stayed dry.
Corinne F, Ros W, Dave W, George H, Andy L, Bill L
Montane Man and his merry band decided to take George’s advice that the view from Beinn Bheag is one of the best in Scotland and despite some high cloud, the view was not disappointing. Long trek, but interesting, particular highlights – bull doing what bulls do best (rather put off by photographer Andy L) and lowlight – a little fawn which we feared had been abandoned by its mother and looked close to meeting its maker. Also saw newts, frogs, plovers and abundance of wild flowers and eco-friendly confetti!! Beautiful walk out to Kinlochewe with Beinn Eighe in eyeshot.
Tom S and Malcolm C set off from the bus like greyhounds from the trap with the intention of walking the 18 miles and climbing Slioch en route. They made excellent progress all the way to the Bealach na Croise but then (foolishly) failed to check their compass and followed their noses and the slope – in a SE direction rather than heading SW towards Lochan Fada. After a couple of miles, they realised their error, but this unintended dogleg meant they didn’t get to the base of Slioch until after 3pm. Tom could have yomped up and back down in the time, but Malcolm would have struggled, so discretion got the better part of valour and they wisely headed down Gleann Bianasdail to ensure they reached Kinlochewe in good time for the bus and a drink. Shame about Slioch but it was an excellent walk on a good day with superb views into the Fisherfields.
Julian S
Leapt gazelle-like from the bus with the rest of the group and headed in high spirits and at fair pace to a coffee stop at the bothy. Departed (alone and unafraid) towards Loch an Nid, then on over the Bealach na Croise to Lochan Fada and down Gleann Bianasdail to Loch Maree, then the final leg along the river to Kinlochewe. Saw not a soul from leaving the bothy until the shores of Loch Maree, walking in splendid isolation and even more splendid scenery, with nothing for company but birdsong and tinnitus. Halfway over the bealach discovered he had a slightly damp left foot and was busy cursing his reasonably-new boots when he realised he was wearing his old ones – distinguishable only by the lace colour and a small leak. Continued with nothing for company but birdsong, tinnitus and a slight squelch. Arrived at the pub in plenty of time for more than one beer, so all round an excellent day – and no need to worry about getting back to the car!
David BD
Setting off along Loch a’ Bhraoin before 9.30am, made good time by jogging down route declines. Tea at 11.30 on Eastern quartzite slabs of Sgurr Ban (SB), overlooking Loch an Nid. Ascended SB with cloud level well above summits so easy navigation and superb views. Encounter two walkers on the steep ascent of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (MCMF), continue over summit to the col between Meall Garbh and Beinn Tarsuinn (BT) for lunch at 2.30pm. Leave rucksack at col and, passing two descending walkers, reach summit of BT at 3.30 and meet Katie W, an Inverness resident who had set off from Dundonnell at 8.30am and already climbed MCMF, SB and Beinn a’ Chlaidheimh. Return to col and thence to Southern end of Lochan Fada for tea at 4.50pm. Misjudge timing of remaining seven and a half miles via Heights of Kinlochewe to arrive at coach ten minutes late. Cattle, skylarks and one small frog seen during the day.
