Beinn Alligin; and Beinn Damph
Beinn Alligin
On Sunday’s day meet, with an overcast sky but an improving forecast, the group tackling Beinn Alligin, made up of Emma, Lindsay, Mel, Shona, Graham, John, Martin, Michael and myself converged on the Torridon carpark which marks the starting point for the path towards the hill. After greetings between members new and old and with our old friend the midge dropping by in the sheltered woody area we were parked, we kitted up, and set off at what I considered a lightning pace, or what many of the other members call “normal”!
With the sun determined to make its presence felt despite a thick cloud layer blanketing the hillside and summits, walking conditions were “steuchy” and walkers were ditching layers as we started to ascend up the path. On approach to Coire nan Laoch the breeze picked up giving a welcome respite from the humidity.At this point, conversation also started around an alternative route up Tom Na Gruagaich; a straightforward scramble following the south rim of Coire nan Laogh. We hatched a plan for regrouping and a little further up the path, the scramblers turned off across a mildly boggy traverse to intercept the starting point of the scramble.
Dry, grippy rock with plenty of holds combined with decent visibility and a stiff breeze, making a very enjoyable scramble, with the group buzzing when we reached the grassy plateau that led towards the summit of Tom na Gruagaich. In the reduced visibility of the cloud layer around the summit we soon realised that what we arrived at was a false summit a short distance away from the actual summit. A quick descent through a bit of a boulder field saw the group reunite and arrive at the summit in close succession. Taking a welcome break for a drink and a bite to eat it was a comfortable stop-off on the summit, being warm despite the commencing drizzle.
Fed and watered we set off once again with a relatively steep descent to the saddle of Faisreidhnain Beinn Alligin, with the cloud shifting to give momentary views of the surrounding area and fantastic rocky striations of the hill.The journey to, and over Sgùrr Mhòr, seemed to pass quickly, perhaps with the anticipation of more scrambling across the Horns of Alligin. Then again, maybe it was the persistent cloudy conditions offering little appreciation of the views, save for the occasional glimpse through the passing cloud. On arriving at the Horns, good conditions for the task prevailed meaning the group took the “Beinn by the Horns” with convenient paths offering a bypass to all of the different sections of the scramble.
Again, spirits were high upon completing the Horns and at this point the cloud began to lift, providing a sunnier descent and cracking views down the glen and beyond to Loch Torridon and Beinn Dàmh, where there other IMC group was walking on the day. With weather improving continuously, our return walk was gifted with the cloud revealing the extent we had covered and allowed for appreciation of the vastness of the hills in this region. With the pace of a group that seemingly hadn’t been walking for 6 hours, we made excellent time back and arrived back at the carpark approximately 7 hours after setting off. With laces loosened off and kit stowed, we each set off in our various directions, bringing an end to what was a very braw day out on the hills.
Taking Part: Emma, Craig, John, Martyn, Graham, Mel, Lindsay, Michael and Shona
Words and Photos: Craig, Graham, John
On the previous day Peter Biggar and Barry Hard were on Beinn Alligin in spectacular conditions. Barry’s photos are below.
Beinn Damph
Cloud was sitting low on the tops as the alternative group set off from Torridon Hotel. Passing through the woodland the air was still and humid, with plenty of birds singing. We were heading for the middle bealach of Beinn Damph and hoping for views. From the bealach visibility was down to a hundred meters or so, requiring a little navigation and cairn spotting to find the route to the summit. Crossing a boulder field we saw five wild goats and a Ptarmigan before passing along a narrowing ridge and reaching the south top. Having not seen anyone thus far, it was a peaceful lunch spot peering over edges and hearing bird calls.
On the descent gaps started appearing in the cloud and we could see Lochs Damph, Kishorn and Torridon intermittently. We also met a few late starters who were lunching in the sunshine lower down. Given the improving conditions we passed the bealach and headed for the Northern two tops, making the most of being on high ground. Across Loch Torridon the big three remained shrouded with occasional breaks. The views were spectacular, along with small wild flowers and the constant accompaniment of a Cuckoo calling. A male Ring Ouzel and a small spotted orchid rounded off the wildlife observations as we descended back to the cars.
Among the topics of discussion was the large number of cairns on Beinn Damph, unusual for a Corbett-height peak. The most likely explanation we reached was that too many people had got lost amongst the boulders and needed to call for help, so the cairns were acting as contributions to mountain rescue!
All in all a lovely day with good company.
Taking Part, Words and Photos: Martin and May
