Dawn had arrived as I parked in an area of rough ground just to the west of the dam at Loch Quoich, accessed from the A87 Invergarry to Bun Loyne Road then along the single track road in Glen Garry. I set off across the dam then the boggy path above the Loch. I was delayed somewhat by the fantastic views and colours as the sun rose.
Beyond Lochan an Fhigheadair I left the path and ascended the Tump, Meall a’ Chait. It was then a fairly steep descent south before crossing an estate track and climbing onto the Druim na Geid Salaich Ridge. Here I joined the path although I later left it to take in the Sub Dodd, Bac nam Foid.
I rejoined the path at the Bealach Coire Thollaidh and followed it to the south side of some cliffs then easy scrambling led to the cairn marking the summit of the Munro, Gairich where there were some awesome views.
After a break at the summit I descended south-west where there were several stags roaring. At the col with Gairch Beag I worked my way round its south side before descending steeply to the track beside the Allt a’ Choire Ghlais where a wooden bridge took me across this stream although the water level was quite low.
I then gained the south ridge of Sgurr an Fhuarain although not steep it was a bit of a slog especially higher up on the grassy vegetation. However on reaching the summit trig point and cairn of this Corbett the views made the effort worthwhile.
It was then a relatively easy descent, on a path, to Braigh a’ Choire Bhuidhe, meeting a couple on their way up the Corbett, the first folks I had seen all day. It was then time to tackle the Munro, Sgurr Mor, but despite it now being into the seventh hour of walking I didn’t find it too tiring despite the steepness. Cloud was now building up but I still had more excellent views to the mountains of Knoydart. I was also able to see Ben More on Mull, the Islands of Eigg and Rum and the Skye Cuillin.
After another break I commenced the long return route back over Sgurr an Fhuarain to the bridge over the Allt a’ Choire Ghlais meeting a chap on his ascent of Sgurr Mor. He had canoed across Loch Quoich. I then headed east down the Glen Kingie estate track with lots of noise from the stags. After over three kilometres I entered the forest where the track was in poor condition with several waterlogged sections. The stags now sounded very close as dusk approached. I passed the ruin at Lochan then crossed a forest track coming close to some deer that quickly disappeared into the trees.
A path, which was in poor condition, crossed the Bealach na Faire and out of the forest. This boggy path took me to the east end of Loch Quoich then the crossing of the dam as darkness fell.
- Time taken – 12 hours.
- Distance – 31 kilometres.
- Height climbed – 2135 metres.