Lurg Mhor and Bidein a’Choire Sheasgaich 19 April 2019

I’d been looking forward to this big day, albeit with some trepidation. A 38km excursion, a cycle in along the hydro track east from Attadale, then a climb to the bealach between these 2 Munros. The feeling of remoteness accentuated by the silence and lack of human intrusion in the landscape. The sky was cloudless blue and the view stretched in all directions...... first we turned east from the col to Lurg Mhor with its airy summit at 3,235’ being a great viewpoint, right round from Strathfarrar and Glen Shiel to Torridon. Then back to the col and up again to Sheasgaich, a steady climb to an equally excellent viewpoint at 3,100’. the cycle and walk out seemed longer with the element of fatigue later in the day, A long walk to two remote Munros but more than worth it for the sense of achievement, together with the impressive nature, space and silence of the landscape. Munros 222.

The 2019 Season gets underway....... Moruisg 18 April 2019

An afternoon ascent direct from the A890 having arrived in Inverness at midday. Sunny weather with a refreshing southeast breeze. Very dry underfoot made this usually boggy ascent more pleasant combined with the absence of midges (it being early spring). A fairly steady but not unpleasant climb lead to the summit plateau, with a choice of cairns, both of which I visited! Good though slightly hazy views, from Torridon and An Teallach in the north, round to The north Glen Shiel ridge in the south. Up and down in less than 4 hrs. Munro 220.

Meall nan Eun and Stob Coir’an Albannaich 11 Nov 2018

A day with hill fog persisting on the summits, but nice misty light lower in Glen Etive, especially late afternoon. Some fairly steep short scrambly sections, and very boggy approach and return paths - one of the wettest I remember. A fairly gentle pull up onto Meall Nan Eun, but no views...... then a confusing (in mist) plateau across the the steep climb up Stob Coir’an Albannaich, much the higher of the two at 3,425’ compared with 3,045‘. It was snowing and settling on Albannaich, quite a wintry feel combined with the mist. The path out extremely wet and boggy, but nice views with mist coming and going and low sunlight angling through the glen. Down before dark. Munro total 219.

Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Coire Easain 21 Oct 2018

Better weather then forecast for our Steven Fallon trip. The overnight rain stopped as we arrived at Fersit. We set off up the path alongside Loch Treig, then headed up the boggy slopes and the steep climb to the ridge leading to our first Munro, Stob a'Choire Mheadhoin at 3,625'. The shifting but rising showery cloudbase gave dramatic but somewhat foreboding views across to the Grey Corries, and the sweeping arc to the shapely second Munro, Stob Coire Easain, 3,658'. Two summits and two views! Munro total now 217.

Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn 18 Aug 2018

A day of increasingly good weather for these 2 southern Cairngorm Munros, a very scenic approach through the pinewoods of Glen Derry, then a good path up through the trees to the shoulder of Beinn Bhreac, then the east top at 3,054' with good views in the sun of yesterday's peak, the massive bulk of Beinn a'Bhuird. Then across the plateau to the higher summit of Beinn a'Chaorainn, very windy and a height of 3,550'and amazing views east across the Lairig to Macdui and Derry Cairngorm, with a tiny bothy down in the glen. A steep descent and more great views on the walkout made for a memorable day. Munros#215.

Beinn a'Bhuird 17 Aug 2018

A guided walk with the Mar Lodge estate and NTS staff, the cloud base down at about 900m so no views at the cold, windy, fogged plateau and cairn. 3,924' but no views! Worth returning to on a fine summer day as perfect tundra habitat for wildlife. Munro#213.

Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine 7 Aug 2018

A 12h day with Steven Fallon's group into the heart of the Cairngorms from Rothiemurchus. A long walk in, then arduous ascent up the very bouldery N slope of Cairn Toul, the 4th highest peak in Scotland and the UK, at 4,236'. Bright and increasingly sunny weather with expansive views across the massive peaks of the Cairngorms, from Cairngorm and Ben Macdui to Braeriach - with Lochnagar visible to the north, and Beinn a 'Ghlo to the south. Then a superb high-level ridge walk, round to the adjacent Munro of Angel's Peak, or in gaelic Sgor an Lochain Uaine, an airy viewpoint and 5th highest Munro at 4,127'. Then on to Braeriach, 4,252' and only topped by Macdui itself. As it happens, my 2nd ascent of Braeriach! Dramatic views across the Coire back to Cairn Toul, Angel's Peak and the lower peak of Devil's Point, which I will have to return to do separately (good to have an excuse to come back!). Great to have clear summits on these very high hills. Munro total 212, or 75% of the total now climbed.