Am Faochagach

Last walk of the week Satuday the 26th June, I parked on the Dirree More and set off across the wasteland at the end of Loch Glascaroch. The ascent was uneventful an quick, the broad ridge gave easy walking, a quick turn round at the summit as Thunder had been forecast and back the same way. The weather had actually improved as the day went on.

North of Braemore

This was going to be a big day 25th June and I set off up Gleeann na Squaib an excellent path in inspiring surroundings from the col I climbed first Beinn Dearg, then Cona'Meall retracing my steps to the col. a quick snack then the easy stroll to the summit of Meall nan Ceapraichean, with the views opening up all the time. Over the Munro top and down to the next col before the final climb to Eididh nan Clach Geala. The descent was made easy by the wonderful stalkers paths.

Western Fannichs

I only had 2 Munros left in the Fannichs so these were the goal for the 24th June. The walk up the stalkers path beside the Allt Breabaig made for a pleasant start, although the weather was worsening as height was gained. just before I reached the col the rain started and continued up the ridge almost to the summit of Sgurr Breac. I didn't linger and pressed on over the top of Toman Coinich to attain the summit of A'Chailleach. It was shrouded in cloud so I turned and descended to the col and took a traverse line onto the Druim Reidh, and dropped down to the loch and eventually the car.

Drumochter Hills

Another hot day, Tuesday 22nd June, I parked at Balsporran Cottages, carrying lots of liquid. Geal Charn, A'Mharconich, Beinn Udlamain, and Sgairnearch Mhor were climbed in quick succession. the going is very easy over these hills in good weather, the views across Loch Ericht to the Ben Alder group were excellent. Even the walk back to the car alongside the A9 didn't seem to bad.

Stuchd an Lochain and Meall Buidhe

Monday 21st June, the two munros either side of the Goirra dam were the targets for the day. Stuchd an lochain first, a very steep ascent led quickly to the ridge and over the Munro top on the way. It was almost windless on the summit, so I didn't linger too long, 3 hrs 10 mins up and down. After a short rest and a bite to eat I set off for Meall Buidhe, the path was rather better than I anticipated this was one of the easiest Munros I've done, up and down in 2 hrs 30 mins.

Ben Chonzie

Sunday 20th June saw me starting my weeks holiday in Scotland. I left the car at Loch Turret and walked along the track on the east side of the loch. It was very hot, but ultimately the summit was reached. I retraced my steps back to the car.

Munro Bagging

Well this is a first a blog from the Highlands! This is being written from Cairngorm Lodge, the tally so far this week is 7 with a prospective 6 more before my return. The details will be written up on monday or tuesday next week with accompaning photos.

Snaizeholme

A short walk in low cloud round the Snaizeholme valley near Hawes. The idea was to see if we could see any Red Squirrels, sadly none were about, no doubt sheltering from the cold northerly wind.

Silver How Backpack

Just an overnight trip really, but still good to get out. Straight from work up to New Dungeon Ghyll, a stiff climb up Mill Gill lead us to Stickle Tarn and then onwards to the Silver How ridge. The water we picked up gave us the freedom to camp where we wished. An amazingly still evening and night followed, we woke to a partial cloud inversion. our route back was a bit convoluted, taking us down into Grasmere before we again climbed over the ridge to contour back above the Langdale valley. We were greeted by dark skies and eventually heavy rain. All in all a great trip.

Coniston Coppermines

With Bill I walked in from Shepherds Bridge along the permissive path to Coppermines Valley. The heat was very oppressive as we climbed through the Bonser mine up to Simons Nick over to Levers Water, and back down through Red Dell Mine.