Date: Saturday 5th November 2016
Company: Just myself
Distance: 9.4km, Ascent: 560m
Time: 4Hrs 10Mins
The MWIS forecast for West of Loch Linnhe today suggested 20% cloud-free Munros and 30-40mph winds. The reality for the area was closer to 90% cloud-free Munros with winds of perhaps 5-10mph at the most
.I decided to head to just beyond Glenfinnan for an ascent of Glas-charn. On paper this hill looks very easy, the reality is somewhat different; the hills in this area are fairly rough!
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
I parked opposite the track which is often used to ascend the Corbett, Sgurr an Utha. The track has recently been widened for the construction of a small hydro scheme, a kilometre or so up the glen.
The walk up through the forest this morning was a touch chilly. My car thermometer was reading 1C at the start.
Track up through the forest:
Beyond the forest the sun was lighting up the hills in their autumnal colours.
Sgurr a' Mhuidhe:
After walking circa 1km, I reached the small hydro scheme which was a useful bridge over the burn.
Small Hydro Scheme:
Beyond the small hydro scheme, I followed a wide all-terrain vehicle track which was heading in the direction I wanted to go. Beyond the ATV track, I found and followed a narrow footpath leading towards the col between Glas-charn and Sgurr an Utha.
Following the Allt Feith a' Chatha towards Glas-charn:
A short distance before the col between Glas-charn and Sgurr an Utha, I left the footpath and made my way across the rough, wet terrain towards Glas-charn.
Approaching the slopes of Glas-charn:
Looking back along the Allt Feith a' Chatha:
As the ascent is trackless, I just picked out a route trying, and mostly failing, to avoid knee-high grass.
Ascending Glas-charn:
The next photo shows the rough ground that needs to be crossed to get from the hydro track to the base of Glas-charn.
Looking back:
Ascending Glas-charn:
It was nice to see Sgurr an Utha again. I ascended this hill back in 2008.
Sgurr an Utha:
View during ascent of Glas-charn:
Ascending Glas-charn:
If it were not for the rough terrain, this would be a good hill. It is certainly a good viewpoint.
One of numerous small pools:
Ascending Glas-charn:
Looking towards the summit of Glas-charn:
On eventually reaching the summit, I stopped to take numerous photos and also to have a drink. There was no need for food as my B&B breakfast would probably have provided sufficient calories to ascend Ben Nevis at least twice!
At the summit of Glas-charn:
View from the summit of Glas-charn:
View from the summit of Glas-charn:
From the summit, I returned to the car via roughly the same route.
The hills in this area are interesting geologically. Lots of striped rock.
Striped rocks:
Sgurr an Utha:
The return to the hydro track took less time than I expected. Once onto this track it was a quick, easy descent back to the car. Seventeen Fionas to go.