Footprints Across Scotland

Why not make a few of your own!

9th and 10th June 2007

This weekend I headed up towards Ullapool turning off at Braemore junction and over towards Dundonnell. I parked at the road side by a small track that gives access to Loch a' Bhraoin. Setting off, just after 9, I walked along the north side of the loch and past the bothy at Lochivraoin for a couple more K till I found a suitable spot by the river to put up the tent. Half an hour later I was on my way a few kilograms lighter for leaving the camping gear behind. It wasn't long before I had to leave the path and head across open moor land, it was pretty rough going. Eventually I reached the lower slopes of Beinn Tasrsuinn with excellent views of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and its narrow ridge line. There were some great views from the top of Beinn Tasrsuinn giving an idea what lay ahead for later. It was a bit of a drop off before bypassing Meall Garbh and then ascending the steep slopes of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair itself.

Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair












Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair

The last few hundred feet was across boulder field of quartzite rock, something I was to see much more of. The heat of the day was now taking a bit of a toll; it was starting to get a bit heavy going. It was another very steep drop off before climbing Sgurr Ban which with its many boulders's and limited vegetation looked almost white in the sunshine. The last summit was in sight Beinn a' Chlaidheimh was just a few more K but again it was a tricky job walk on the patchwork of rocks. I came a little stone shelter on the way down, not very comfortable but has probably afforded somebody welcome relief during bad weather.

Stone Shelter. Great outlook












Stone Shelter. Great outlook

It was nearly 7 by the time I reached the last top. It was nice to lay in the evening sun on the grass near the cairn but realising I was close to nodding off thought it was time to make tracks.

Beinn a' Chlaidheimh












Beinn a' Chlaidheimh

It was another 2 hours back to the tent and very tiring after the long day and muggy weather, it was a real effort to keep going, I can't remember the last time I felt so tired. There were some nice views of Loch an Id back down the glen but all my energy was focused on getting back to the tent.

Loch an Nid












Loch an Id

It was 9.30 before I made it back and my first thoughts were to get refreshed in the nearby stream. It would have been more enjoyable but the midges were out in force so I dried off quickly before retreating to the tent for a bit. As it cooled down the midges eventually disappeared for the evening and I was able to eat some food in peace. On Sunday I planned a short walk up Creag Rainich which was just as well after the efforts the previous day. As I neared the top I thought I spotted some deer and was a bit surprised when they didn't disappear as I approached. I soon realised that I had been mistaken and it was a group of mountain goats. They were a little inquisitive at first but must have been a bit camera shy as they started moving off as I got it out my bag. By 10 o'clock I was on the top and had a leisurely bite to eat before heading down to the tent. After packing up it was then a couple more hours before getting back to the car. All in all a tiring and testing weekend but enjoyable for the best part.

Wild goat on Creag Rainich












Wild goat on Creag Rainich



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