Arkle

A warm wind whipped around us as we made our way along the track beside Loch Stack.  Looking up, we could see banks of cloud moving rapidly over Arkle’s summit - it was going to be blustery up there.

A late decision had been made to bring forward Sunday’s meet to Saturday, as drier weather was forecast.  Unfortunately, this meant that Arthur couldn’t make it along, but myself, Nell, Matt and Stuart were looking forward to the day ahead.

We moved quickly along the track.  However, progress slowed as we gained height just after passing between the two gigantic boulders that act like the gateway to Arkle and Foinaven.  The track eventually levelled off and we stopped for a short break, and to take in the views. 

We set off into a strong headwind being funnelled down the glen.  Walking was difficult but conditions eased once we turned north, heading up the slopes of Meall Aonghais.  At first there was a vague path, but this soon petered out.  However, the going was fairly easy and at around 450 metres we reached the Allt na Dige Moire.  Due to the recent dry weather, there was no water flowing.

Following the course of the Allt na Dige Moire for a few hundred metres, we then branched off and made our way to point 758, and the cairn which marks the eastern summit of Arkle.  Buffeted by a strong, gusting wind, we dropped down to the bealach, heading for the western summit of Arkle.  The shattered quartzite terrain required care.  The views down into the Am Bathaich corrie on our right were spectacular.

Gusting wind made an interesting section of narrow ridge a bit more challenging but we were soon at point 787, the western summit.  Despite hazy conditions, the views were fantastic.  Unfortunately, Foinaven’s summits were enveloped in cloud.

Retracing our steps back to the bealach between the eastern and western summits, we then headed south-west down into Coir Uairidh, chased by the wind.  It was a steep descent on a faint path.  Reaching the bottom of Coir Uairidh, we turned south-east onto the grass and heather slopes of An Nighe Leathad.  The cliffs on this side of Arkle rose steeply above us.

At first the going was easy, but as we reached flatter ground, the grass and heather thickened, and progress slowed.  Crossing a short boggy section, we eventually reached the two gigantic boulders we had passed earlier in the day.  It was good to be back on the track.  A quick stop for some refreshments and we were soon on our way back to the car park.   

Taking part: Brian, Mathew, Nell and Stuart.

Words: Brian

Photos: Nell