A’ Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac, West Fannichs; and Beinn na h-Eaglaise, Torridon
A’ Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac
The low cloud and drizzle around Inverness was quickly left behind as Richard and I travelled west. Other folk clearly had the same idea as we squeezed into one of the last parking spaces beside Freek, May and John near the track towards Loch a Bhraoin. The hills were going to be busy.
We opted for the nose of Leitir Fhearna - gaining height quickly and then wandering along the Druim Reidh in the sunshine taking in the emerging views of An Teallach. The road to Dundonnell, following the line of “Destitution road” built by impoverished crofters after the 1846 potato famine in return for basic rations of oatmeal, stretched across the foreground.
Sunscreen was liberally applied. We traversed to the Bealach Toll an Lochian by the fairly sketchy path through boulder fields and above hidden outcrops. I remember the path as being much better used in the past. (Last century, I suppose!) Most people seem to continue over Toman Còinnich and descend to the bealach. The east ridge of A’ Chailleach gives a pleasant walk up to the summit with tantalising glimpses of the views yet come. The panorama from An Tealleach, Fisherfield, Torridon,, Strathcarron, Strathfarrar, to Glen Affric and beyond had us puzzling over which mountain was which. Despite the sunshine a cold wind cut short our stay and we dropped down to the bealach again for lunch.
The ascents to Toman Còinnich and then Sgùrr Breac completed our tally of summits for the day. We wandered down the pleasant south east ridge of Sgùrr Breac, still with a few snow patches, to the col with Sgurr nan Clach Geala for a second lunch at the little stone shelter. We had chosen to climb the hills in this direction so that the last five kilometres to Loch a’ Bhraoin on the rough stalkers path would be easier going downhill and the ford over the Allt Breabaig would be near the end of the walk. It still seemed a long trek and we did get wet feet!
Taking part: Richard, May, Freek, John and Arthur
Words and photos: Arthur, Freek and John.
Beinn na h-Eaglaise
On a day when dampness greeted our meeting point and doubts were had about the wisdom of heading for a hike, the skies cleared as we headed west for Torridon. Our objective was Beinn na h-Eaglaise, the hill of the church, overlooking Loch Torridon. Ewen, Anne, Debbie and I headed up from the Torridon hotel, climbing through the woodland, where larches were coming into needle and birds were singing to welcome the sunshine. Following an easy river crossing we started up the well-made path before going cross-country to the NW ridge. This allowed us to take in the views of eye-catching Liathach, bordered by Beinn Eighe’s quartzite slopes and Beinn Alligan’s horns. An eagle’s meal (a former sheep) was in evidence, shortly followed by a few rogue Rhododendron plants spreading up the hillside, and a small frog. The invasive Rhododendron was sharply removed and graced our sacks for the rest of the day. After numerous false summits and evidence of relatively dry ground conditions, we were able to take in the view southwards to the Achnashellach hills from the top.
By this time Debbie was firmly convinced that she would like to become a full member of IMC, if only she could convince us of her navigational prowess, which was duly tested finding a route descending the S ridge through rock bands. Objects of note included glacial-scraped rocks, lichen halos, hopping frogs, nippy lizards disturbed from taking in the sun, and a size 12 dinosaur footprint.. On reaching Loch an Eoin we picked up a well-made path back to Annat. Among the pools on the descent half a dozen Palmate newts were seen, hunting the tadpole feast and apparently enjoying the sunshine too. Several more frogs and lizards were seen (by me at least!), prompting bets on how many more I would see before the car. In the end ‘water lizards’ (the newts) had to be included to make up the count. Although not a big hill, the 736m Beinn na h-Eaglaise had provided plenty of interest on a beautiful sunny Spring day with great company and wide-ranging discussions.
Taking part: Ewen, Anne, Debbie and Martin (Welcome to Debbie who has now joined the club.)
Words and photos: Martin, Anne and Debbie
