Date: Saturday 7th September 2019
Company: Just myself
Distance: 25.8km, Ascent: 1100m
Time: 7Hrs 10Mins
Having ascended Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn for my second Munro round in November 2018, I returned to Ardverikie yesterday morning for an ascent of neighbouring Beinn a' Chlachair. After what seems like months of bad weather, there was at last a fantastic forecast across much of Scotland - light winds and 90% chance of cloud-free Munros.
I set off from home at 5.20am using my car instead of my campervan for a single day out on the hill.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
On arriving at the starting point it was quite chilly. This was fantastic as there were no midge while getting suited and booted.
I then set off on the 5km relatively flat walk towards Loch na h-Earba.
Due to a current back strain, in order to reduce rucksack weight, I had opted to leave my DSLR at home. I was soon regretting this decision as my iPhone was unable to photograph the numerous birds seen during the walk-in.
Beinn a' Chlachair:
On arriving at Loch na h-Earba, I stopped to take some photos of the loch and also waved hello to a couple of climbers who were camped at the lochside.
Loch na h-Earba:
Loch na h-Earba:
From Loch na h-Earba I made my way across to the excellent track leading up to the bealach between Geal Charn and Beinn a' Chlachair.
Beinn a' Chlachair:
It was nice to look back and see Binnein Shuas, a nice Fiona with some excellent climbing including the four-star route, Ardverikie Wall.
Binnein Shuas:
During the ascent to the bealach, it was near impossible to take photos looking forward due to walking into the sun and any photos looking back contained my shadow.
Looking back:
Creag Pitridh:
It is possible to shorten this walk by taking a direct route up from the bealach. It is however steep, rocky and not pleasant so I was happy to continue to follow the track. Following the track does provide great views of Loch a' Bhealaich Leamhain.
Loch a' Bhealaich Leamhain:
As well as adding on a couple of kilometres each way, continuing to follow the track does also mean you lose just over 100m in height.
Skirting round the crags:
Skirting round the crags leaves a much easier line of ascent as seen in the photograph below.
Ascent of the 972m top:
Looking across to Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn:
It was nice to look across to the other nearby Geal Charn which I hope to re-ascend sometime soon in a traverse from Corrour to Dawhinnie.
Geal-Charn from 972m top:
Despite last ascending Beinn a' Chlachair fifteen years ago, I recalled it being a very stony hill. My recollection was correct; the ascent from the 972m to the summit involves negotiating around a mile of small stones which does not make for pleasant walking.
Looking towards the summit of Beinn a' Chlachair:
On reaching the summit I stopped to take several photographs uploading one of them to Twitter. After a quick bite to eat and a large drink, I changed my intended route deciding to return via the same route instead of undertaking a circuit. This would get the sun behind me instead of continuing to walk into the sun.
At the summit of Beinn a' Chlachair:
At the summit of Beinn a' Chlachair:
The next photo provides an idea of the stony terrain which is not good for ankles and old, wearing-out knees.
Looking back at stony ascent/descent:
Looking back towards the summit of Beinn a' Chlachair:
During the walk back I met several other walkers who were mostly ascending Creag Pitridh and/or Geal Charn. It was great to reach Loch na h-Earba and take some more photos but I was not particularly looking forward to the further 5km walkout.
Loch na h-Earba:
On reaching the River Spean I stopped to take a couple of photos before reaching the car and getting the boots off.
Binnein Shuas from bridge over River Spean:
River Spean:
Nice to get out on the hills on a good weather day.