Strathcarron trip

Mike, Jimmy, Fern (my GSD) and I set of just before 10am, past Achnashellach station and up the forestry track. Mike was quick to point out our path, which I had walked right by! It was nice to have a good, dry path, gently ascending into the valley, and the views of Coire lair got better and better. We checked the river crossing for the return and decided we would have no problem as it was very low after our relatively dry spring.

Then the real hard work started as we climbed to the 876 eastern top of Beinn Liath Mhor where we were rewarded with spectacular views of Torridon and its hills. After a quick bite we headed off along the ridge, which was harder going than one might think, due to the rocky terrain.
We reached the summit on schedule 3hrs40 after heading off. Another quick bite and we set off down to the head of the coire. Some of this was tricky, but Mike’s wee book kept us on the right path through the crags which we negotiated carefully. Then we stopped at the lochan for a swim (for the dog), before starting off on our next climb up to Sgorr Rhuadh.

By this time we were beginning to tire, but still on schedule. The cloud came in a bit at the summit, and I put on waterproofs. Then we started our long descent past Loch a’ Bhealaich Mhor where Mike decided to bag the Corbett too (Fuar Tholl) while he was in the area!
Jimmy, Fern and I carried on down, our legs definitely weary by now. It was a relief to be back at the van, 8 ½ hours after setting off, having had a super day out. We changed our shoes and socks, and Mike appeared down the road. We met Cris and gave her a lift back up to Torridon where we met Ron and the five of us had a lovely meal in the Torridon Hotel bar.

The next day Mike was keen to do something on the way home so, with the forecast better further east, we stopped at Ben Wyvis. It was cloudy and when the rain started I decided to do the corbet instead, but Mike and Jimmy carried on and reached the summit.
This was a rather impromptu trip, rather short notice as the weather is always such a big factor. If anyone wants to join us if we are heading off on another such trip, often midweek and weather dependant, please get in touch.