Wednesday, 6 June 2018

Beinn a'Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich, 6 June 2018

Hot weather continuing for these 2 peaks next to Cruachan. Hard going with hardly any breeze, and I followed the wrong hydro path and did a needless diversion - so it was a hard pull up the pathless W ridge of Cochuill to the summit ridge and then the cairn itself at 3,215'. Good views across to Glen Etive, also S to Ben Lui. Then a drop to the Bealach and a good path to the summit of Eunaich, fractionally higher at 3.245'. Views all round and relentless sun (in western Scotland!) a steep drop down to the path and back to the start, Munros #210.

Tuesday, 5 June 2018

Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach) 5 June 2018

Perfect weather for a last minute trip. A cloud sheet over Lomond meant that I headed further NW to do the only Glencoe Munro still on my pending list, Meall Dearg. An approach from the N side on Loch Leven meant a pleasant approach with increasingly dramatic views of Aonach Eagach, and spectacular views back towards Ben Nevis and the Mamores as I gained height. The summit at 3,127' gave views across the chasm of the glen to Bidean nam Bian, as well as a bird's eye view of Aonach Eagach itself - I've now done both the Munros, at either end of the ridge, without traversing the ridge itself. Munro#208.

Monday, 14 May 2018

Sgurr a Mhaoraich 14 May 2018

A fairly remote part of Scotland on Loch Quoich, and excellent stalkers paths, and views once again, for this excellent viewpoint being an isolated hill. Rocky near the summit (3,369') and I had to divert around. Couple of deep snow patches on the path, but a great panorama especially of Ladhar Bheinn down Loch Hourn, and Sgurr na Ciche across Glen Dessary. Up and down in 5h owing to the excellent access. A great trip, 5 summits all with views, and memories of the expanse of the western Highlands with snow-streaked ridges and northern corries accentuating the views. Munro total 207.

Sunday, 13 May 2018

Beinn Fhada 13 May 2018

A really enjoyable walk in steadily proving weather, very varied - forested Glen, then a stalkers path zigzagging up the corrie onto a rocky plateau and a summit with a 360 panorama in the continuing good weather. Total 206.

Saturday, 12 May 2018

The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine 12 May 2018

A stunning days weather in Glen Shiel starting with a superb early morning by the loch at Kintail. A good stalkers path, we bypassed the Forcan ridge up to the bealach. A steep pull up to the Saddle, and a great ridge and small exposed summit at 3,314'. A fantastic viewpoint in the stunning weather, from Ben Nevis and Knoydart round to the Cuillin ridge and the hills of the northwest ranged out in front of us - Fisherfield and Torridon all in view. Then down and up surprisingly steep slopes to Sgurr na Sgine, slightly lower at 3,100'. A great day to complete the Glen Shiel Munros, total 205.

Friday, 11 May 2018

Beinn Mhanach 11 May 2018

A bright morning and then more cloud and eventually some rain late afternoon. First day of the trip with Jen and Matt, good to finish off the Bridge of Orchy hills. A long walk in on predominantly grassy slopes, a strong southerly wind. Some snow patches still lying. A moderate pull up to the summit at 3,130' and a good viewpoint, especially east where the skies were brighter. Rather a boggy descent. Munro number 203.

Sunday, 25 February 2018

Worcestershire Beacon - not quite a Munro..... 25 Feb 2018

First hill of the year, sunny skies and a very cold easterly wind.... a 4 mile walk on the crest of the Malverns to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon and back at 1,394'. Good views across Herefordshire towards Wales, the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. Not a Munro by any stretch of the imagination but a good bit of exercise, and hopefully a taster of the year ahead and a start on getting fit.