Stob Ghabhar and Stob a'Choire Odhair 30 Aug 2010

30 Aug - A fantastic walk in perfect weather on part 2 of my Scottish bank holiday. From Victoria Bridge west of Bridge of Orchy, the Glen Etive path heads west, then a branch goes N into the corrie between the 2 Black Mount Munros. A stalker's path leads up to the summit of Stob a'Choire Odhair at 3,094', and excellent views across Rannoch Moor the the E, S to Ben More and Stob Binnein and the Crianlarich Munros, round to Ben Cruachan and Glencoe. Then down to the bealach and a steep pull up slopes to the Aonach Eagach ridge (not the famous one) and the slopes up to the summit of Stob Ghabhar (3,566') and a really amazing view from this high peak - rows of jagged peaks from Glencoe, to Ben Nevis and the Aonachs towering behind, then the Mamores and Glen Shiel - all in clear sunny conditions. A pleasant walk down the SE ridge and a truly memorable route. Only 4 other people seen all day, a bank holiday in England (but not in Scotland). Munro total = 45.

Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin 26 August 2010

26 Aug - Bright and clear conditions, with a build up of shower cloud in the afternoon and a brief shower when almost off the mountain. The route from Ardvorlich took me to the summit of Ben Vorlich (3,232') in an hour and 40 mins - with views across the Perthshire hills and north and west to the southern West Highlands. Then a descent and scramble up scree slopes to Stuc a'Chroin (3,199') where the patchy cloud rolled in just after a got to the top and took a few hurried photos. Munro total = 43.

An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin 13 August 2010

13 Aug - a 24-hr trip to take advantage of the current fine weather (though cloud and a passing shower swept through at the start) and 2 of the 5 Crianlarich Munros completed in an enjoyable 6 hours. An initial climb up Sron Garbh led to the ridge of Twistin Hill, and a scramble up onto the summit of An Caisteal at a height of 3,264' and views south to Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps; west to Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui; and east to Ben Lawers and Perthshire. A rocky descent and re-ascent led to the second summit of the day, Beinn a'Chroin at 3,084', and good views especially of Ben More and Stob Binnean towering up to the north. Then down a long and boggy path alongside the River Falloch. Munro total=41.

The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda 24 July 2010

24 July - A short morning round of these 2 very accessible Munros from the Glenshee Ski car park, I made the top of the Cairnwell (3,061ft) in 34 minutes! then a short ridge walk across the Carn Aosda which just scrapes in as a Munro at 3,008ft. The views are of rounded Perthshire hills, cluttered by ski lifts etc, but pleasant enough in the fine weather. Munro total = 39.

Mam Sodhail and Carn Eige 23 July 2010

23 July - a sunny day and a 12 mile walk with over 3,000ft of ascent. A very scenic route along Glen Affric with its Caledonian Pine forest, then a gradual ascent of the Coire Leachavie to the ridge, and a gentle climb to the summit cairn of Mam Sodhail, the 13th highest Munro at 3,871 ft. An extensive view S to Ben Nevis, via Glen Shiel to Skye in the W, then NW to Torridon. Sgurr na Lapaich towered over Loch Mullardoch to the N. Then on across the shallow bealach to Carn Eige, the 11th highest Munro and a full 10ft higher at 3,881ft. A superb view in the early evening light back across Mam Sodhail to Loch Affric, and a long but enjoyable walk back to the car park in the low evening sun.