Anna writes:

The sun was out from the early morning hours while ten avid hill walkers led by John met up at Achnasheen’s train station. The target was a summit of Fionn Bhein which lies nearly 800m above.  We put the hats and sunscreens on with some of us putting extra protection against the ticks and other insects and happily started walking up a steep path. The foot path was reasonably well maintained gravel path which led us to the stream. In order to pass it through, we all had to perform impressive jumps over the clean-as-a-whistle stream of Scottish water using the stones nearby, igniting a spark of great teamwork. Moving passed the stream, overcoming some boggy patches as we moved uphill, the world below was getting covered in a thick blanket of wildflowers fields. After getting some quick break to take some pictures of spectacular scenery unfolding around us, and ensuring we stayed hydrated and fed, we then carried on along the panoramic route to the top of the hill passing by other hill walkers on the way. The crisp air kissed our cheeks welcoming us to the majestic mountain range. Many of us put the extra layers on and carried on with the journey. About three and an half steep hours later doing about 6.5 km uphill we arrived on the summit. You could hear some of us sighing with relief making to the top of the robust Munro. We made it! All the faces shone brightly with a big smiles filled with joy and inner satisfaction. It felt as if we set foot in the fantasy world. Below us, there were some exceptionally breath taking views spreading out across, making it a perfect vantage point from which you could see Torridon peaks over the long blue slash of glossy water of Loch Fannich with hulky hillsides of Slioch and Fisherfield ascents in between.

We all gazed at mesmerizing views of the loch down in the valley while standing on the peak. Looking up, we noticed the sky decorated in the brushstrokes of the clouds. It was one of the most glorious views some of us had seen! We took our time looking at the view from all the sides , chatted to some other summiteers trying to identify some of the peaks on horizon and after about 30 min we started heading down. The way down did not take us that long, though the serpentine path downwards was full of hidden traps such as muddy bogs secretly hidden in the tapestry of moss, grass and moorland covered with heather. Granted, some of us ended up having a mud bath! Aren’t mud baths supposed to be good for you? :) lol! Moving on the way down, we entered lush forest. The air was crisp and fresh there. The sense of amazement and wonder took hold of us as the scent of pine and wildflowers expanded as you moved deeper into the magical forestry land. The sweet and pungent aroma of wilderness filled up our lungs , intoxicating our senses with birds’s tweeting in the background which felt like a honey to our ears. As we were moving down, midges welcomed us greatly dancing in the mid-air. Although midges are often seen as Scotland’s secret weapon and nuisance for many hikers, they still play an important role in the ecosystem. Their presence is a sign of a healthy water nearby with high oxygen levels which is a sign of lack of pollution in the area. Even though some of us were knackered afterwards, we all enjoyed that extraordinary walk. The trip has ignited the desire to explore the world further for us and we have already planned another summit to bag.

Words and photos: Sean and Anna