Ben Hope 20 May 2019

The most northerly Munro. A showery day, but the cloud base lifted progressively during our ascent of this isolated Munro - the summit at 3,041’ was in cloud, but on the descent the cloud base had risen to 600m and we had extensive views of the landscape of the far north - rugged rock and lochans. Munro #226.

Am Faochagach 19 May 2019

Fairly cloudy and showery conditions but we were fortunate as the cloud lifted off the summit during our ascent, so we had some views, albeit cloud down on the Beinn Dearg group and on the Fannichs. A boggy ascent though less so than usual, due to the recent dry weather. The summit plateau enlivened by a group of 4 Dotterel. The cairn is at 3,130’, Munro #225.

Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a’Chaorachain 20 April 2019

More cloudy today with some drifting hill fog that tended to disperse as the day went on. A cycle in on a fairly rough and stony track, with the cloud down onto the summits. Then an interesting river crossing and an ascent in an anticlockwise direction, with the SW wind gusting and the ridge in cloud. The summit ridge was edged with a considerable cornice of snow, but as we reached the top of Sgurr Choinnich the mist shifted and fragmented allowing views down into the corrie between the two Munros, and across Loch Monar to the Strathfarrar peaks. The clearance lasted until we reached the second Munro, Sgurr a'Chaorachain, which being the higher was above the cloud, which was lapping in the glen below. A long but gradual descent took us down to the track and the bikes. Munros 224.

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.