Day 1: Stuchd an Lochain
The drive out Glen Lyon seemed to take forever, all the more so being caught behind a bus! Parking up just ahead of the dam, we donned our boots and began a gentle walk to the cairn that indicates the turn off for Stuchd an Lochain. This took us gently across the hillside before beginning to climb.
The climb was comfortable. Despite not having been on the hills much the legs felt okay. Husband meanwhile has done lots of hills over the last few weeks and climbed in the style of a mountain goat, effortlessly!
The path was fairly steep but good, and before too long we reached the broad ridge that would take us along to the summit of the first munro of the holiday, Stuchd an Lochain. This was indicated by a couple of cairns along the way and we made good time despite the small drop to the bealach on the way. We got chatting to another walker and this also passed the time. Lots of friendly people on the hill today.
The thrill of the day came while chatting: an eagle soared overhead! It was one of those wonderful moments that you’re glad to be in the company of others to have confirmation of what you’re seeing. It was shortly pursued by some other, much smaller birds, and the walker we were chatting to suggested they must be nesting nearby and trying to see it off.
Reaching the summit we were rewarded with great views of the surrounding hills. Even Ben Nevis looked to be considering peeking it’s head out of the clouds.
Having enjoyed lunch at the summit cairn there was nothing further to do aside from retrace our route back down.
As always, this was quicker than the up and before long we were back at the car. Holidays begun, next stop, Tyndrum.
Day 2: Ben Starav, Beinn nan Aighenan & Glas Bheinn Mhor
There’s always one long day on the holiday and the fantastic forecast deemed it to be today! We decided to do a ‘two’ and add on an extra munro that essentially followed the same route up, adding extra time today but saving a long day somewhere down the line should anyone wish to complete the munros.
The first munro of the day was Ben Starav. It was also the highest at 1078 metres and there was the added joy of starting pretty much at sea level. On the upside, the boggy ground described in the walk guide was fortuitously dry for the most part. The ascent was long and steady, taking quite some time to complete.
The summit looked somewhat intimidating on the approach. As we neared it, the terrain became a little stonier and there were some more exposed areas. For the most part though there was a clear path. I kept my focus on the ground immediately in front of me, avoiding looking down. I was quite delighted when we reached the cairn!
Leaving the summit to head down to the bealach, the ridge narrowed and made for an interesting traverse. For the most part it was manageable; there was only one scrambly section where Bruce required to talk me through the steps required to ensure I didn’t have too much of a wobble! Before long we were heading down towards the intersection of paths that would lead us to Beinn nan Aighenan, later retracing our steps for Glas Bheinn Mhor.
Beinn nan Aighenan looked like an easy walk, aside from the additional distance and time, and this proved to be the case. It was great fun on the descent with just enough interest and choice of route without any real danger involved.
Despite adding an extra two and a half hours to our day, we were both glad we’d made the detour for this one.
From the bealach, we began the long pull up Glas Bheinn Mhor. This was a fairly easy ascent and our legs felt remarkably good. The ridge was wide and the path was good.
Reaching the final summit of the day, we were quite elated; little did we know what a hard slog lay ahead!
From here we had to descend all the way back to just above sea level. The initial couple of hundred metres was fun, with good path and dry underfoot conditions. Sadly conditions deteriorated, ground became boggier as we descended, and stones and boulders on the path made for pretty slow going. We were both pretty scunnered!
Finally we reached a point to cross the stream which allowed us to join the better path we’d followed on the way up. Arriving at the car we were as delighted to see it as the midges were to see us!!! So much so that they even joined us in the car!
A tough day, but a great day: 10 hours, 14 miles, 3 munros & 5700 feet of ascent, and a milestone … 232 munros for Bruce, leaving only 50 to go!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 