Loch Treig Munros; The Easains; The Fara; and Creag Dubh
Loch Treig Munros - Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg
The views from the summit of Stob Coire Sgriodain made up for the plod over the boggy ground on the hill's lower slopes. From our perch, we looked down onto the dark waters of Loch Treig and across to Stob a' Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Coire Easain. Looking north and eastwards, thicker cloud was building and showers had reached nearby hills; Creag Meagaidh, in particular, was taking a hit. A cold wind was blowing and today was not a day for hanging about at this exposed spot.
After a bite to eat, we set-off south then south-east, crossing easy ground, ambling over to Chno Dearg. The sun made the odd brief but welcome appearance. The two dogs, Raineach and Trevor, were having a great time racing around chasing each other, while Monty looked on, mostly uninterested in their caper. At one point he tried to get involved but was trapped by his lead, so went back to his preferred business of scanning the landscape for red deer, mountain hare and other local wildlife. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be his day.
Reaching Chno Dearg, it was definitely feeling somewhat cooler than earlier. A photo or two and we were on our way, quickly losing height down the north side of Chno Dearg. At first the ground underfoot was relatively dry but as the slope eased we were soon back in bogland, trying our best to pick the driest line. Eventually we came across a path that led us down the eastern side of the Allt Chaorach Beag and back to the main track to Fersit.
Apparently, Scotland has more than one million hectares of bogland, out of a total land area of just over eight million hectares. Yes, bogs can be a nightmare to cross, but next time you're ankle deep (or possibly even knee deep) in wet vegetation take the time to stop and study the fascinating variety of plants and beasties that make these places their home. If anything, it might stop you cursing about your sodden feet, even if just for a minute or two.
Indeed, bogs are so popular there is even an International Bog Day which is celebrated each year on the fourth Sunday in July.
Taking part: Steve, Nell, Brian, Stuart and Andreas
Words: Brian
Photos: Brian
The Easains - Stob a Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Coire Easain
Having placated a somewhat hostile Fersit farmer who was threatening us with a load of fertilizer blocking our cars. We departed for Stob a Choire Mheadhoin and Stob Coire Easain commonly called the Easains. We followed the route described "in the book" going south parallel with Loch Treig turning south west onto the ridge. Despite the bright conditions there was a sharp south westerly wind. The slog upwards was made more interesting by a scramble up the rocky slopes of Meall Cian Dearg.We were reminded that the warning cry for falling scree is " BELOW" and that "FORE" may not be entirely appropriate. It was good to get onto the gentle grassy slopes of the first Munro before more slogging to the summit.
We decided to drop to the col between the two peaks to have a food break before the next ascent. It was very pleasant to sit in the sheltered sunshine with fabulous views all round. The second Munro was quickly reached and an opportunity was taken for a photoshoot where the bright jackets were arranged in rainbow order. We descended quickly to avoid the hail and snow flurries. The return on the reverse route was straightforward. We arrived back at the potential fertilizer dump to find that all others had departed for home. I have to say that I had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Taking part: Richard, Shirley, May, Sharan, Stella, Mira, and prospective members Kerri, Sam and Karolina.
Words: Richard
Photos: Sharan
The Fara, Dirc Mhor and Meall na Eagan
I arrived early at the designated spot, which was actually the start of the old drovers’ route to Feagour. A suitably shabby Rights of Way sign warned: “navigation skills required”. However our route up The Fara was a blatantly obvious land-rover track blazing its way up the hill.
Soon the others appeared, John, Matthew, Emma, and prospective members Anni and Daggi. We were soon heading up the track at a fair pace until its terminus. From there the summit of The Fara is but a short easy stroll through heather. Being a mere 3 metres short from attaining Munro height in no way detracts from its stature as a mountain. The views, spanning the still snowy summits of Creag Meagaidh and Ben Alder are stunning, and you can see straight down Loch Ericht to Rannoch and beyond.
The group descended north to sample the delights of Dirc Mhor, “the Great Slash”; a deep and long chasm littered with rocky debris and covered in exotic ferns. A second lunch was taken half way to provide some relief from the stress of not knowing what you were putting your feet onto and the fear of being swallowed up into some some enormous bottomless hole!
Eventually we were spat out of the Dirc’s northern maw and regrouped, ready for the ascent of the bonus Graham, Meall nan Eagan. On reaching the Allt an t-Sluic the others returned to their cars, whilst I headed back upstream to where I had been camping the past couple of nights whilst exploring the Dirc Bheag and the far-side of The Fara.
Taking part: John, Mathew, Emma, Marcus, and prospective members Anni and Daggi
Words: Marcus
Photos: Marcus
Creag Dubh traverse
After two late additions, seven members met at the shinty ground in Newtonmore and took two cars to the roadside parking below the Creag Dhubh crags. A short walk along the road brought us to the start of a path (not obvious at the start and not shown on the map), up through the wood to a fence line on the open moorland which we followed most of the way to the top. At one point a minor difference of opinion caused different factions to follow paths on opposite sides of the fence, but the honours were even when they rejoined a little later at a stile. A pause here in relative shelter, though the wind strength was less and the temperature higher than the forecast had suggested. A more prominent path with one steep section brought us to the top (756m) a little after midday. A light shower blew in while we paused again, but soon cleared. Linda had a deadline for getting back to Spean Bridge and opted to return the way we had come, while Wendell prospected a descending path which was probably the route of the Newtonmore hill race, but the consensus was to continue along the ridge. We ended up following the well-used path where it led us, skirting An Torr and eventually down through birch wood and scrub to the track just above Biallaid Farm. Wendell walked home and the remaining five ended the day with coffee at the Gordon Arms in Kingussie.
Taking part: Gina, Alan, Marion, Peter, Michael, Wendell and prospective member Linda
Words: Peter
Photos: Alan
