Over The Hill

A week ago today, Lesley and I drove to Invergaunan in pouring rain and the hills obscured by low cloud, and having arrived, turned right around and headed for a coffee in The Green Wellie, we just did not fancy another soaking like last week. Some decisions we make are good, others not so good. This was definitely a good decision, as today, back at Invergaunan, this time joined by Lawrie, we have no rain, a light breeze and a cloud base well above the tops, a good day for the hills.

Two kilometres of easy walking up through the forest on the west bank of the Allt Ghamhnain was followed by a steep climb on rough, grassy slopes alongside the forest boundary to gain the open hillside and the rocky scar marking the start point of the quartz dyke at the base of the northeast ridge of Beinn Udlaidh.

This natural rock feature, I believe the geological term is quartz-breccia, runs in a perfectly straight northeast/southwest line directly to the 749m minor top above the steep crags of Coire Daimh, a scar in the hillside which draws the eye of the motorist as they drive south on the A82 between Loch Tulla and Bridge of Orchy, and which when seen close up, makes an impressive handrail to navigate by all the way to the small lochan nestling on the ridge of the 749m top.

Leaving the lochan behind, the going eases considerably as the ridge opens up to a broad, gently sloping plateau leading to the large cairn marking the 840m summit of Beinn Udlaidh, although, there is some debate as to whether the highest point of the plateau is actually on the crest of a second, smaller quartz scar which runs across the plateau east/west a few metres further south of the cairn. Having visited both, the later providing a nice sheltered spot for lunch, I personally think the highest point, and certainly the more impressive, is the point on the quarts scar, but whichever, the summit of Beinn Udlaidh is a great place to be on a clear, sunny day with the last of the winter snows still adding a wintery feel to the mountain.

On leaving the summit almost 300m of height was lost as we descended the grassy slopes towards the 587m bealach which separates Beinn Udlaidh from its neighbouring Corbett, Beinn Bhreac-liath. Once across this undulating bealach we had to re-double our efforts as we regained the lost height and scrambled up slightly steeper slopes towards our second summit of the day, Beinn Bhreac-liath, at 802m, still an impressive summit, offering wonderful views as the weather continued to stay fine and clear, making this round of tops a very pleasant experience.

In complete contrast to the broad summit plateau of Beinn Udlaidh, the narrow north ridge of Beinn Bhreac-liath is a relative "stroll in the park" as you walk along it's 1½km length and lose a mere 28m in height; the sting in the tail though, is when you reach the 776m north point and the grassy slopes drop very steeply away as you make the final descent towards the deserted cottage at Invergaunan.

These two mountains provided us with a great day on the hills, well worth the weeks delay for favourable weather; a great day, wonderful company. Thanks