South of Glen Shiel

The range of hills south of Glen Shiel are deservedly regarded as being in the top handful of Scottish mountain ranges. It extends about 20km in length and includes 9 Munros. The walking in the area was split over 2 days.

Sgurr na Sgine	946m/3104ft
Creag nan Damh	918m/3012ft
Sgurr an Lochain	1004m/3294ft
Sgurr an Doire Leathain	1010m/3314ft
Maol Chinn-dearg	981m/3218ft
Aonach air Chrith	1021m/3350ft
Druim Shionnach	987m/3238ft
Creag a' Mhaim	947m/3107ft
date climbed	09/06/09	time taken	12 hours
distance	27km	ascent	3700m
OS Map	Landranger 33	Weather	Light winds, sun and excellent visibility
Starting point : Achnagart Farm GR 962 150

Steven Fallon's website suggested completing all the Munros on the south side of Glen Shiel in one day - quite an undertaking. This route was shortened by the exclusion of the Saddle, leaving this peak for a more leisurely climb later on in my stay in Kintail.

The day started well with signs that the fair weather would be staying around. After a winter break from the hills the first climb towards the Bealach Coire Mhalagain was a bit of a struggle but when the lip of the corrie was reached the view was spectacular with Knoydart, the Cuillin and the islands of the Outer Hebrides being highlighted by the warm glow of the morning sun. The first Munro of the day, Sgurr na Sgine, was soon reached and the long traverse towards Loch Cluanie started. The other Munros were gradually ticked off as the easy walk progressed during the day. A few walkers were met later in the day but for most of the time I was alone with the occasional ptarmigan that I disturbed. The visibility was about the best I had seen in Scotland with the Larig Ghru in the Cairngorms being clearly visible. The descent at Creag a'Mhaim was steep but short and the main road was quickly reached and a lift back to the car accepted from a kind passing motorist.

A wonderful day and a great start to the 09 Munro season.

The Saddle	1010m/3314ft

date climbed	12/06/09 (pm)	time taken	5 hours
distance	12km	ascent	1200m
OS Map	Landranger 33	Weath er	Light winds, high cloud and excellent visibility
Starting point : Achnagart Farm GR 962 150

The Saddle is very well known for its combination of deep corries and narrow ridges which makes it one of the great Highland hills. After a morning walk across the 3 Munros that lie above Loch Cluanie, the afternoon was spent climbing the Saddle. The stalkers path, just south-east of Achnangart, was used again to get access to the mountain. After climbing over Meallan Odhar the foot of the Forcan Ridge was reached. I had no prior knowledge of the difficulties on the Ridge so the traverse was a very enjoyable exploration. Only one section proved worthy of pause for though - a steep 50ft wall - which was by-passed by scramble down a lose gully to allow the Ridge to rejoined below it. The crest of the Ridge was followed for most of the traverse and mighty fine it was too ! The summit was reached in the early evening sun and the view across to Skye and Hebrides enjoyed immensely.

The easy walk back down to the car was taken at a leisurely pace with two other walkers I had met chatting about music and the joys of travel in South America.