26km + 1700m. Coulags, Glen Carron.
I had planned on a second trip on Loch Mullardoch, but found the road gate padlocked. So a change of plan was called for, a second attempt on Maol Chean-dearg!
Despite a late arrival the night before I left the van reasonably early (07.30) and headed up the track towards the Tea House, with occasional spits of rain. By the time I reached the bothy (08.15), where I met a guy with his dog and another lady doing the Cape Wrath Trail, I stopped to put on the waterproof. I pressed on to Bealach a' Choire Ghairbh (09.20) by rich time I was above freezing level with snow on the ground and fresh falling. A steep climb brought me to the wide bouldery ridge before the final pull through further boulder fields to Maol Chean-dearg (10.25). I had a quick look for the snow gully north-east of the cairn, and despite believing I had found it, I couldn't see all the way down it to be sure so I chose the much longer route back to the bealach. It was a slightly easier return to the bealach (11.15) because I was able to scan a better route. Having reached the path junction at Loch an Eoin (12.25) I continued on to the one below Bealach na Lice (13.00), bringing me to the head of Coire Fionnaraich. There I had a wonderful lunch break in glorious sunshine, drying off some kit. All too soon i was heading up to Bealach Ban (14.05) where I entered the different world of gloom, cold and snow of Coire Grannda, whereI stopped for a snack listening to the snow and ice falling from the rocks around me. From the bealach at GR955512 (15.05) I climbed diagonally onto the ridge which took me to Sgorr Ruadh (15.55). A bit of compass work took me down the south-east shoulder to Bealach Mhoir (16.30), from where I headed back over rough ground to the Tea House (17.30). The chap with his dog was still there having had a rest day, and a father and his daughter. They all brought some coal and wood for the fire so I stopped and chatted in the warmth for 45 minutes before heading back to the van (19.00).
Wanting only a 'short' day I headed over to An Teallach.
Area :
Cuillin and Torridon (Liathach)
This area is on the west coast of Scotland and its most well-known mountains are probably Beinn Eighe (1010m) and Liathach (1055m). The area is bordered by Loch Maree and the A832 to the north and Glen Carron and the A890 to the south. It should not to be confused with The Cuillin which is on Skye and listed in the Western Isles region. The mountains list contains all peaks above 800m.
