Over The Hill

Saturday, 22nd August last year saw us complete four of the seven Munros that comprise the South Glen Shiel Ridge; today, we set out to complete the remaining three, albeit we would climb four Munros, the purist in us demanding that we re-visit Maol Chinn-dearg from where we had descended last year, this would ensure that we not only completed the Munros, but also traversed the entire ridge. In just under 2 hours we were standing once again on the summit of Maol Chinn-dearg, having ascended Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach, the long, grassy northern ridge, from our start point in Glen Shiel. Now we could continue as we left off last year and strive to complete our days challenging walk.

Although the eastern Munros behind us were shrouded in low cloud, our route westwards was clear, the ridge stretching out ahead of us as we made our descent towards Bealach Caol na Droma Moire and then a rocky ascent to the summit of Sgurr an Doire Leathain, at 1010m the highest summit of the day and one which is off-set from the main ridgeline a few hundred metres along it's northern spur.

Returning to the main ridgeline we settled into the routine of descent, ascent, summit, a routine which allowed us to savour the day, as we gazed south into the depths of Glen Quoich and then skywards to the mountains beyond, Gleouraich and the twin peaks of Sgurr a' Mhaoraich and Sgurr a'Mhaoraich Beag, mighty mountains, mighty views.

A steep approach and rocky crags dropping dramatically to the clear blue waters of Coire Lochan marked the ascent to our third Munro of the day, Sgurr an Lochain, a wonderful viewpoint, which, even in the dull grey of today offered spectacular views west along the length of Loch Duich and east along Glen Shiel to Loch Cluanie.

Three completed, and one to go, but it would not be a quick finish, it is a long haul from Sgurr an Lochain to the final Munro, Creag nan Damh, involving a steep descent to Bealach Choire Reidhe and an equally steep ascent to the minor top of Sgurr Beag, at 896m, itself and impressive top; there is a by-pass track which contours around the base of Sgurr Beag to reach the low point of 729m at Bealach Fraoch Choire, but once again the purist in us demanded that we scale this top as part of our traverse before descending into Bealach Fraoch Choire.

The approach to the summit of Creag nan Damh is rocky and involves a few hand assisted steps up some steep rocky sections, the summit itself being strewn with rock outcrops, two of which, just a few metres apart, vie for the crown as supreme top, and so, as is customary in these circumstances, we stood atop both just to be sure we had the correct one.

Our conquest of the Munros along the South Glen Shiel Ridge was complete, however, our walk was not, nor would it be until we had negotiated the steep rock shoulder which separates Creag nan Damh from the minor top at 894m, descended the rough ground to Bealach Duibh Leac and then swung north for a torturous descent on a very rough, loose stone path, which was more like a stream that a path, twisting and turning as is made the long descent back to the roadside in Glen Shiel, an uncomfortable end to a glorious ridge walk.

Great day, fabulous company - Thanks everyone.