Beinn Liath Mhòr; and Carn Chuinneag
Beinn Liath Mhòr
Richard, Matt, Tim, George. May and Ben the dog set off in good weather conditions for Beinn Liath. Michael decided to walk at a lower level in the surrounding area.
After crossing Achnashellach railway line we made our way onto the Coire Lair path making it easy walking out of the forest. At the top of the forest Beinn Liath Mhor comes into view.
As we continued our ascend we begin to pull towards the summit through scree. At this point Richard decided to head back down.
Ridge walking begins through rocky blocks and quartz sections.
Summit reached at 924 metres. Great views of Liathach and Beinn Eighe to the North.
A tricky descent through crags and then onto the good track where we met up with Richard
George writes -
Today’s mission - Beinn Liath Mhòr. Another day of sunshine, minimal cloud and reasonable temperatures. Long may it continue.
The group left from the lay-by across from Achnashellach station, making their way across the tracks and on to the well cut path through some initial woodland and out in to Coire Mac An Leasgadair. The track forks to the right and the sharp ascent toward the ridge began. The ridge to the summit was narrow in places and the craggy areas somewhat slippery. The group arrived at the cairn and basked in the views over Loch Torridon to the West, with Liathach and Beinn Eighe standing proud to the North.
The descent was somewhat steep initially, with some light scrambling in places. Eventually the group rejoined the path where they were met with a “thank you” moment, with the view taking in the snow capped hills to the east from the valley entrenched by the recently conquered Beinn and neighbouring Sgor Ruadh, who will definitely need to be revisited another time. Thereafter, a well deserved casual saunter back to the cars. Another grand day out in a beautiful area. Thank you.
Taking part: Richard, Matt, Tim (and Beinn), George, May and Michael
Words and Photos: May and George
Carn Chuinneag
Hazel writes - With good weather on our side, we set off for Carn Chuinneag from Glencalvie Estate. The first few kilometres took us through Glen Calvie where there was plenty of wildlife and plants to be admired and discussed. Leaving the Glen, we began to ascend up the stalkers path towards the west summit of Carn Chuinneag. Once we reached snow, we noticed animal tracks on the path for most of the way up. Who they belonged to became a main topic of conversation. Getting nearer the summit, there was an old ruined stalkers bothy and panoramic views of the nearby mountains. The final stretch involved carefully climbing over large snow covered boulders.
We stopped for lunch in a very scenic and luckily sheltered spot on the west summit, as there was a very chilly wind at the top. From there we braved the wind and continued on towards the east summit, which again boasted great views. We decided to keep the walk varied and took an alternative route down the hill, having our ice axes at the ready and heading north off the slope. The descent took us through the heather until we reached the track connecting back round to Glen Calvie.
Taking Part: Hazel, Carolina, Martin and Arthur
Words and Photos: Hazel, Martin and Arthur
