West Fannichs; Ben More Coigach; and Gairbeinn

A’ Chailleach and Sgurr Breac, Fannichs

The summit of Sgurr Breac was shrouded in low cloud as we sorted out our kit.  Recent snowfall down to 400 metres or so meant ice axes and crampons were essential ‘just in case’ items for the day, adding additional weight to packs. 

 Kit sorted, we were off down the track leading to Loch a’ Bhraoin.   Matthew, Emma, Stuart and John seemed in a hurry, leaving Nell, Mairi, Masoud and Brian in their wake – at least until the second small bridge where they came to a halt, consulted a map, and waited for the others to catch up.  Setting off across the bridge, there was a cry of doubt from the back of the group – ‘Are you sure this is the right way?’.

 Crossing the bridge at the eastern end of Loch a’ Bhraoin, the steep, snow-coated slopes of Leiter Fhearna loomed ahead.  Everyone seemed confident we could make it safely to the top, and we were soon gaining height, the soft snow making things slippy underfoot in places.  Reaching the small cairn at 600 metres, Matthew called for a quick coffee break.  The views were improving.  We looked down on the thin ribbon of Destitution Road as it weaved across the moorland, making its way to Dundonnell.  Eyes were drawn to An Teallach, its highest tops cloaked in cloud.  

 Leaving the cairn behind, some of the frontrunners went for an unexpected quick dip in the small pools hidden beneath the snow.  The laughter from those bringing up the rear was perhaps not appreciated, particularly by those whose socks were now waterlogged.  Wary of further such traps, the group seemed happy to let John take the lead, following his footsteps closely across the remainder of the hidden bog.  Soon we were on the higher and drier ground of Druim Reidh, striding towards Bealach Toll an Lochain. 

 The views southwards opened up as we reached the bealach; a perfect spot for lunch.  Weather conditions were calm and the sun was trying its best to break through the high cloud.

 Deep drifts of snow slowed progress on the push up the slopes of A’ Chailleach but it wasn’t long before we were at the summit, taking in the views.  To the east, Sgurr Breac was now free of cloud.  A quick group photo and we retraced our steps back to the bealach.  Nell (and Trevor) and Masoud decided to make their way back down to the car park but the rest of the group ploughed on, contouring round the slopes of Toman Coinnich, heading for Bealach a’ Choire Bhric on the western side of Sgurr Breac.  It was now definitely feeling warmer than had been expected and there was even a call for suncream.  Gaining height on the western slopes of Sgurr Breac, great views were had of the cornices hanging above the very steep drop down into Coire Breac.  We were soon at the top before charging down the eastern slopes, making our way to the bealach nestled between Sgurr Breac and Sgurr nan Clach Geala. 

 The impressive cliffs on the north-eastern side of Sgurr Breac towered above us as we started on our route out of the hills.  Monty was kept entertained by the numerous deer loitering in the glen.  They seemed uninterested in the attention and happily continued grazing.  The rough ground made it seem like a long trek out but spirits were high and we eventually reached the rickety bridge across the Allt Breabaig, leaving only a mile or so tramp back to the car park.   

Taking part: Mathew, Emma, Stuart, John H, Nell, Mairi, Masoud and Brian

Words: Brian

Photos: Brian

 Ben More Coigach

On Sunday the Ben More Coigach party set off from Blughasary under grey but non threatening skies.After 3km or so we were thwarted by outflow from Loch Eadar dha Bheinn being in spate, this required a bit of a detour round the loch and some careful route selection to gain the east ridge of Speicein Coinnich.

Optional scrambling and recent snowfall added a bit of interest to our ascent before a more gentle set of undulations led to the true summit some 1.5km away. Its fair to say the views were breathtaking in all directions and many photos were taken.

We returned the same way but gambled on the water levels having dropped sufficiently to avoid the detour. This proved a good move and we avoided having to contour round the loch for a second time. A very enjoyable day out and its fair to say we all added this summit to the must return list.

Taking part: Mike, Fiona, John S and Paul

Words: Mike

Photos: Mike and Paul

 Gairbeinn and Corrieyairack Hill

it had been a fair number of years since I had been on these hills and in the intervening years the Glen Doe hydroelectric scheme, the Beauly-Denny power line and innumerable wind farms had been constructed.  Since I had suggested this walk, it was with some trepidation that I met up with the rest of my group, lest they wondered why I had brought then to this industrialised landscape.

Once we got to Melgarve and started up the hill to Gairbeinn, the power line faded in prominence. We all agreed that we should put our phones away and stick to paper and compass for navigation and new prospective member Neil, duly volunteered.  We were soon on the summit in time for our first lunch and our first debate about which hills we could see to the north and west. The patchwork of snow on the Monadhliaths very effectively camouflaged the wind farms in the middle distance.

Neil’s sterling efforts at navigation were hindered by two factors: from Gairbeinn, we could see the whole of our route to Corrieyairack Hill unfolding before us; and our chosen route happened to follow a boundary fence stretching between the two hills. Our route took us over Geal Charn, crossing two interesting water eroded channels with nice snow features and on to Corrieyairack Hill.  We traversed round to the north side looking for some old snow cover hard enough to have a little crampon technique practice.

Our second lunch on Corrieyairack Hill involved more debate about which hills we could see and our chatter was only curtailed when it became a bit chilly. Our descent picked up General Wade’s road through the Corrieyairack Pass.  Built at the time of the Jacobite risings in the 18th Century and rising to 770m, the road is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.  As we left the snow fields that still covered the top 200m of the pass we met a cyclist, complete with backpack, two dogs and a trailer for his dogs heading over the pass bound for Spean Bridge. Our leisurely wander down to Melgarve seemed a much better idea.

Taking part: Becky, May, Arthur and prospective member, Neil

Words: Arthur

Photos: Becky and Arthur