Beinn Bheoil and Ben Alder 20 Oct 2019

A very good day, with a dusting of snow and at times awesome views. We headed first up the slopes of Beinn Bheoil by a very good path then steady slopes, and the cloud was brushing the summit on arrival at 3,343'. En route, my first Brocken Spectre! This is a person's own shadow in the mist, it only happens when the sun is shining through mist or fog. Slightly eerie. Then, an expansive walk down to the bealach below 2,600' and a steep but interesting and varied climb up onto the edge of the Ben Alder plateau and the exhilarating views coming and going, very extensive, of both the extensive summit area, and the wider expanses of the lonely country around this part of the central Highlands. The summit has a large cairn and shelter at 3,766'. Very satisfying to get this group of 6 remote Munros finally bagged, logistically they are fairly challenging. Overall, typical autumn weather, with some superb clear sunlit views at times in the clear seasonal light - and less precipitation than expected! Munros #242.

Beinn Eibhinn and Aonach Beag (Alder) 19 Oct 2019

The first day of a camping (!) trip with a Steven Fallon Group. We put our tents up by Culra bothy having cycled in the previous afternoon - rain overnight gave way to a chilly day with a N breeze and some shower cloud that fortunately mostly held off, and allowed intermittent views of the west/north section of the Ben Alder range. We ascended the initially steep unrelenting slopes of Carn Dearg, and then the bouldery slopes to its summit at 3.392'. There then followed a pleasant mainly high level walk, with an airy East Highland feel, across the extensive plateau to Geal Charn, 3,714'. We then progressed on to what would be the two new Munros for the day for me, which are fairly close together, and are seen very well from the earlier peaks - the shapely Aonach Beag and then via the (at times very windy) ridge to Beinn Eibhinn, respectively 3,655' and 3,609'. We had dramatic views especially in the later part of the day, as the clouds broke up and fragmented a little in the fairly strong wind, and more distant views encompassed Ben Lui and the Crianlarich peaks to the south, and to the west as far as Glenfinnan. An enjoyable, bracing day, unfortunately rounded off getting back to the tents and our attempts at hot food and keeping warm, serenaded by the roaring of Red Deer...... Munros #240.