Lochgoilhead

The very next day Jane, Rob and I took to the hills again, driving to Lochgoilhead to climb 2 Grahams to the north of Beinn Bheula - Beinn Lochain and Stob na Boone Druim-fhinn. Fine weather once again, though to say we had a few problems negotiating fallen trees at the start of our climb would be an understatement! After a struggle we reached open ground and a steep climb up the south east ridge of Beinn Lochain. Eventually we reached a grassy col and from there it was only a short climb to the summit cairn. It was too cold to hang about for long so we headed north over grassy slopes to our second Graham of the day, and our descent to Lettermay, thankfully via a proper firebreak this time.  Another very enjoyable day with Rob reaching the halfway mark of his Graham count!

Luss hills

Last Thursday I spent the day climbing 3 Grahams with Jane, Rob and Derek. The weather was still holding as we completed a very enjoyable circuit of Beinn Eich, Cruach an t-Sidhein and Doune Hill from the head of Glen Luss. A great walk, and good to catch up on all the chat!

Ben Vorlich

The next day we decided to climb Ben Vorlich up the south east ridge from Inveruglas. Once again the conditions could not have been better as we climbed steeply away, over rough ground, from the Loch Slot track. I like this route up the hill, and today the sun shone on the snow covered ridge all the way to the summit where, once again, we had fantastic views to savour.

Arrochar Alps

What fantastic weather it has been lately for some hillwalking so, not wanting to drive very far, I headed off to Arrochar with a couple of folk to climb Beinn Ime. Conditions were perfect as we climbed steeply up the path from Succoth to Bealach a' Mhaim. The Cobbler looked magnificent in the sunshine and hard frost ensured the bealach was not as boggy as usual, making for easy progress to the slopes of Beinn Ime. Still quite a lot of snow cover on the upper slopes, hard packed and icy in places, and great views to enjoy as we grabbed a quick sandwich at the top before heading down.

Walks programme

Just a quick note to those of you who've been asking about the programme........
I've been so busy with private groups since July that it's not been possible to run other walks.
Hopefully I should have a programme running from mid Oct to Dec on the website very soon.

Sandwood Bay and beyond

Just back from a blustery but enjoyable week based in Durness and Inchnadamph, 2 of my favourite hostels. Our plan was to walk from Cape Wrath to Blairmore last Friday, but the forecast was for high winds so we decided to do the 9 mile round trip to Sandwood Bay from Blairmore in glorious sunshine on the Thursday. What a treat!
As luck would have it, Friday started pretty calm so we headed off on the tiny passenger ferry and waiting minibus to Cape Wrath, to begin the walk south to Sandwood and beyond. The going was across wet and rough ground but we made better progress than I had anticipated despite some pretty damp, misty conditions.
Rain and wind swept in on Saturday and, though we managed some short, wet excursions on foot, the highlight was a visit to the famous Lochinver pie shop!
We managed a couple of good days on the Corbetts of Spidean Coinich (weather too foul to do all 3 of Quinag's summits) and Cul Mor during the next 2 days before heading home.

Pendant les grandes vacances........

Just returned on Friday from 5 days with Macs Adventures, walking in Glencoe and the Cairngorms with a great group of French visitors. It was lots of fun, despite mixed weather, and it gave me a chance to revitalise my spoken French! We covered a lot of ground, exploring paths in Glencoe and Arisaig, Glenlivet and Cairngorm - we even got some sunshine.
Then it was off to Skye for Saturday,  and a change of plan that saw me on the Aonach Eagach on Sunday with Andrew. Great conditions for some fun on this fantastic ridge before he heads back down south and I head north to Sutherland this week. A real treat.

Actually, since leaving Arran mid July the pace has been hectic......
5 days in July were spent in Ardgour and surrounding area climbing Grahams  - Druim na Sgriodhain, Sgorr Mhic Eacharna + Beinn Bheag, Meall Onfhaidh + Aodann Chleireig to name but a few. Some good weather but also some real low cloud.

I also helped Mark Clark to the summit of Hill of Stake - 2nd last point of his High Points Project, which he has now completed. There us a book to be published....

Then it was on to Slioch (still no views!) and An Teallach before sailing to Harris at the beginning of August for Kay's final Corbett. 11 of us celebrated her success on the summit of An Clisham. On the 2 following days a few of us tackled the 3 Grahams on the island before making for the coffee shop and the tranquility of Luskentyre beach in the afternoon sun - fabulous!

A couple of random photos......