Ben Cruachan and Stob Diamh 12 Oct 2013

Perfect West Highland weather when the rest of the UK under cloud......a steep ascent from the roadside led to the Cruachan power station dam, then a climb up a long gully ended on the ridge below the summit of Ben Cruachan, reached by bouldery slopes to a small summit (3,694') perched high above Glen Etive to the N, and Loch Awe to the S. Stunning cloudless sunny weather, and stunning views in all directions - Ben Lui and the Crianlarich hills to the E, the snowy Cairngorms very distantly to e NE, and Ben Nevis and the Mamores to the NW. The islands of Mull and Jura were out in the calm Atlantic to the W. An amazing panorama. The ridge from the summit led on to a top then the second Munro of the day,Stob Diamh at 3,274', with dramatic views back to the pointed summit of Ben Cruachan. Quite a few people were out on the hill in the fine weather, and the atmosphere was completed by roaring stags down in the glen. Munro count now 129.

Carn Ghluasaid, Sgurr nan Conbhairean and Sail Chaorainn 20 Sept 2013

An enjoyable walk in very mixed weather conditions at the eastern end of Glen Shiel, firstly up the good stalkers path to the summit of Carn Ghluasaid, a stony plateau at 3,140', with good views north to Glen Affric. Then on around the corrie lip to the highest of the 3, Sgurr nan Conbhairean (3,642') which was in and out of cloud, and was my fellow Munroist Jennifer's 100th Munro! We had views of yesterday's 3 peaks, the Brothers, as well as the S ridge and snow on the high Affric peaks. A pleasant onward col led us to our last of the day, Sail Chaorainn at 3,287', with good views of the wild expanse of Kintail in all directions in shifting mist. I've climbed Carn Ghluasaid before, so Munro total now 125.

A 'Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-Choire 21 Sept 2013

A superb walk to end my latest trip, weather much better than expected with cloud mostly clear of the summits, no rain and a fresh west wind. A step pull up from the A87 led to the ridge, and a walk north to the summit of A 'Chralaig, 3,674' with its huge cairn and views in all directions in shifting mist - down Glen Shiel to the Five Sisters, west to Beinn Fhaha and north to Glen Affric. Then an enjoyable ridge walk with amazing views, and a bit of scrambling, to the adjacent Munro of Mullach Fraoch-Choire, only slightly lower at 3,615'. Similar views, as far as Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart and the cloud-shrouded Torridon hills. A steep descent enlivened by a couple of herds of Red Deer, and then stalkers in the glen searching for them! A very enjoyable 6.5 hrs, Munro total now 127.