Sgor Gaoith, and Beinn Dearg - 6 October 2024
Sgor Gaoith
Ten members and prospective members along with Orla and Moss the dogs met at Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve carpark in Glen Feshie. Surprisingly it was dry and not too cold. The forecast was not that good, however a day on the hills is always tempting.
The start took us through pinewoods and them out on to the open hillside, the wind became stronger, but still no rain. It was quite a pull to gain the Bealach to the south of Sgòr Gaoith as there was a significant headwind. The tops were draped in low cloud and visibility was not brilliant. Battling the wind at first, then finding a sweet spot of calm conditions just back from the edge of the cliffs that descended to Loch Eanaich 600m below, the top of Sgòr Gaoith was eventually reached.
Lunch was taken in one of the sweet spots just below the summit using boulders as make do seats. Nature is good at providing!
It was decided to head down one of the burns to the east of the summit as views were not going to happen and the wind wasn’t our friend today. Orla the dog appeared to get the scent of something and left the group for a foray back up the hill, fortunately she was persuaded to return. The path back to the carpark was reached and the group headed down. On the hillside new pines were getting established, may be because of less deer being around. It was good to see this.
In the forest lots of mature pines had been felled by the wind, it was very localised, but had caused a lot of damage, The debris has been left for nature to take its course and new growth will replace the old trees.
On reaching the carpark the promised rain had still not materialised, we stayed dry all day! Sgòr Gaoith means windy peak. It certainly lived up to its name today.
Taking part: Martyn, Arthur, Stela, Donna, Wendall, May, Richard, and prospective members Jill, Lada and Gavin
Words and Photos: Martyn.
Beinn Dearg
It was a gloomy drive out towards Torridon in the morning, but by the time we met up with Diana and Debbie the weather was cheering up. The rain had stopped as we set off from Inveralligin up the good path through the woods and over the bridge towards the Horns of Alligin. Stags were roaring as we skirted around the bottom of the Munro and looked up towards the steep slope of Beinn Dearg and our route onwards.
The steep slog was over quickly, with interesting sections of scrambling to break it up for some of the group. As the gradient of the ridge eased, we were able to appreciate the occasional views between the mist rolling through before the final, slightly rocky, ascent to the summit. The summit plateau was surprisingly large and we were treated to views down to Loch Torridon and across to Applecross.
After a short and chilly lunch stop we headed to the summit to attempt a group photo. Chris battled with his phone and a rock to get a group photo and after 3 attempts we got everyone in the picture .
The clouds cleared for us on the way down. The views towards Baosbheinn and the sea, alongside Martin's (attempted) impression of the roaring stags, kept us entertained as we headed down the steep slope and back to the path. We could see the less common view of Liathach and its ridges on the way back before heading through the trees and back to the carpark.
Considering the forecast, we were very lucky and got some great views on an interesting mountain.
Taking part: Chris, Debbie, Diana, Martin, and Mel
Words: Mel
Photos: Mel, Chris, Martin
brief scramble
Summit ridge
Baosbheinn