Over The Hill

There was quite a debate as to whether we should take the "direct" route from the head of Loch Slapin for a straight forward out & back walk to Blabheinn, or to do a 2-car route, ascending the southwest ridge from Camasunary and descending to Loch Slapin; in the end, rather than split our numbers we opted for the out & back from Loch Slapin. And, as you will see from the change in weather later in the day, this was a very fortunate decision.

In bright sunshine, and probably the hottest day we have had for quite some time, we set off from the car park at the head of Loch Slapin and took to the well maintained path that rises steadily on the north side of the Allt na Dunaiche, with its deep gorge and tumbling waterfalls to admire as you pass by en route to Coire Uaigneich.

Although still quite early in the walk, the heat was beginning to make its mark on us, and by the time we reached the crossing point on the Allt na Dunaiche we took advantage of it's cool waters, some replenishing water bottles, and others wetting buffs and base layers to help cool off a little - now we haven't done that many times this year.

Onwards up into Coire Uaigneich and into the base of the bowl that is created by the sweeping crags dropping steeply from the summit ridgeline into Fionna-choire and it's same named loch, Loch Fionna-choire; an ideal spot for lunch before taking to the south east ridge where that hard work of the day would begin. A steep ridge, with a great deal of minor hands-on scrambling over rocks and boulders, and a couple of short, steep scrambles up rocky chutes before the summit is reached.

We had made the summit in glorious sunshine, but that was about to change rather dramatically, and quite quickly; looking south over the coast and towards Rum, the sky was blackening, and we could see the rain moving swiftly towards us. And so, it was a hasty departure from the summit, as we were anxious to make the awkward crossing from the main summit to the south top, a crossing which involves a short traverse along a narrow ledge path above a rather steep and rocky gully; not a pleasant place to be in wind or rain. Thankfully we all made it across and onto the south top, but just in time, as the skies blackened, the rain came down, and the mist started to obscure all around us.

These rather unpleasant conditions stayed with us as we descended the south ridge, a rough rock and very loose scree descent through the mist, rain and gloom, before we broke out of the cloud base and had a visual reference on Loch Fionna-choire and the great bowl, where earlier we had lunched in bright sunshine and clear blue skies; while this time, we took a delayed break huddled behind a large boulder to get what shelter we could from the heavy rain.

Back onto the main path, we made an unspectacular descent, re-crossing the Allt na Dunaiche in rather different circumstances, and back to the shores of Loch Slapin.

A day of two halves - or maybe just a normal day in the Scottish hills.

Great day - Thanks Everyone