Winter Hillwalking - Scotland 2005

Sun 20 Feb 2005

We left the house at about 9.10am, driven by Sandy, for the 30 mile journey to the start of today's walk at Garbet (parked in the lay by at NH411678). An initial walk of about 500m south on the A835, then we turned left onto a path to follow the Allt a'Bhealach Mhoir through Garbet Forest. Once clear of the trees we continued on a zig-zag path to the summit of An Cabar. Some tricky icy patches on this ascent. Near the summit we dropped down slightly to the south-east to find a spot sheltered from the wind for an elevenses break. We spent a few minutes here practising step cutting etc.

Continued along the ridge to the summit of Ben Wyvis (summit actually called Glas Leathad Mor). From the summit we proceeded  north along the ridge, descending to the col at NH465694, and then on up to the summit of Tom a'Chionnich. Descending from here on the south-west ridge, we stopped where there was a good safe slope and spent twenty minutes or so practicing ice-axe arrests. Descended to the Allt a'Gharbh Bhaird and followed this back through Garbet Forest for the return to the car.

	Summit	Height (m)		Status
	An Cabar	946		Munro Top
	Ben Wyvis	1,046		Munro
	Tom a’Choinnich	953		Munro Top

Mon 21 Feb 2005

We woke to find that about 5cm of snow had fallen overnight, but the roads were clear and we had no trouble in driving the 46 miles towards Ullapool to the start of today's walk in the Fannichs. We parked beside the A832 at NH162761 and began walking at 10:15am, lead by Ray. All three of us carried avalanche transceivers on today's walk.

Initially we walked south on the private road to the eastern end of Loch a'Bhraoin, crossing the river at the bridge, and then followed a path before crossing the Allt Breabaig via a footbridge that was not marked on the map. Ascend south-east towards the summit of Meall a'Chrasgaidh. This was a steep and tough ascent, and Vince seemed to be struggling somewhat to keep up.

From the summit we descended south-east towards the col at NH187727, stopping very soon after leaving it to put on crampons. First refreshment stop of the day at the col (13:15hrs). Ascended past

a small lochan onto the ridge leading to Sgurr nan Clach Geala - which was an excellent ridge. After reaching the summit and deciding we did not have enough time to continue on to Sgurr nan Each (which would have been the third Munro of the day), we retraced our route back down the ridge and descended north-west to Allt Breabaig. A long walk-out to the car, getting back to it at 18:00hrs.

Red grouse, raven and a dipper seen during today’s walk.

	Summit	Height (m)		Status
	Meall a’Chrasgaidh	934		Munro
	Sgurr nan Clach Geala	1,093		Munro

Tues 22 Feb 2005

Today's walk again led by Ray. A 36 mile car journey to Glen Affric, where we parked at Chisholme Bridge (NH215241). Set off at 10.15am. Followed a track west, then north and finally north-west along Abhain Glean nam Fradh for about 5km, before striking up to the south-east ridge of Tom a'Choinich, just after the point where the Allt Toll Easa joins the main river. Stopped here for a short food break before beginning the ascent of the ridge. This was another nice ridge, but unfortunately done in mist, so we did not get to see any good views. Crampons on at the summit as the descent on the east ridge to Bealach Toll Ease was initially very steep and icy.

The summit and ridges began to clear as we descended, and by the time we reached the bealach the cloud had cleared and it was a beautiful sunny day. We continued to ascend east on the ridge to Toll Creagach, passing over the West Top en-route. The views were now quite stunning. As we approached the summit a golden eagle glided over the summit towards us. It flew off to the north-east once it saw us – a magic moment. Another break on the summit before beginning the descent south to the river to pick up the path we used on the outward walk. We arrived back at car at 17.40hrs.

Apart from the golden eagle, also saw red grouse and ptarmigan.

A brilliant day!

	Summit	Height (m)		Status
	Tom a’Choinich	1,112		Munro
	Toll Creagach West Top	951		Munro Top
	Toll Creagach	1,053		Munro

Wed 23 Feb 2005

A day off from hill walking. Walked in to Inverness, looked around the museum and had a couple of pints in a smokey  bar near the bridge.

Thurs 24 Feb 2005

Today's walk, led by Sandy Murray, began at Kilfinnan near Laggan Locks (a 44 mile drive). Started at 10.20hrs, following  the higher track through South Laggan Forest south-westwards. Near Glas-dhoire (a ruin) turned right up an initially very steep path leading through the forest to the Cam Bhealach. Skirted south-west around Meall Dubh to the col between it and Meall na Teanga. Ascended Meall na Teanga, stopping half way up to put on crampons. A nice final ridge lead up to the summit, but we were in cloud and very poor visibility. Descended back down to the bealach, and then continued on the ascent of Sron a'Choire Ghairbh. Very windy, but ascended without crampons. Very cold on summit as we stopped to put on crampons for the descent (the coldest I have ever felt on a mountain). Poor visibility due to the mist and blowing snow on descent back to bealach. At bealach removed crampons and descended by our outward route back to the car. Finished at 17.00hrs.

No good views today, bitter winds and drifting snow. A very cold day, but felt OK as long as we kept moving. 

	Summit	Height (m)		Status
	Meall na Teanga	917		Munro
	Sron a’Chroire Ghairbh	935		Munro

Fri 25 Feb 2005

Driven by Sandy the 45miles to the Shepherd's Bridge near Newtonmore (NN693997). Began walking at 10.05am, following the track beside Allt a'Chaorainn northwards. Crossed the river about 500m beyond the end of the track and headed north-west. Stopped at the Red Bothy for elevenses. Continued north-west to the summit of A'Chailleach. Descended north-west to the Allt Cull na Caillich, then headed up to Carn Sgulain. A line of fence posts made route finding very easy, as they headed straight up to the summit. Descended south-east to NN693052. Several mountain hares seen on  this leg. Followed Allt a'Chaorainn back to the car. Weather improved towards the end of the day, but no views from the tops. Ice axes and crampons were not needed today.

	Summit	Height (m)		Status
	A’Chailleach	930		Munro
	Carn Sgulain	920		Munro

Walking Companions

Vince Beaney, Sandy Murray, Ray