The Saddle,
Forcan Ridge and Sgurr na Sgine
(21.10.16)
15km. 8hrs,20mins. 1345m ascent. Layby A87 - Bealach na Craoibhe - Sgurr na
Forcan Easter Butress - The Saddle 1011m - SE - Bealach Coire Mhalagain - Sgurr
na Sgine 946m - Faochag 909m
After the success of the Glencoe weekend we
arranged another wee camping/hill days/sesh. We agreed Kintail would be a good
option with the Forcan Ridge & other hills nearby. It was originally planned
for the weekend 14th/15th but Robin had a work meeting so we agreed the week
after. Just aswel as the weather gods were conspiring against us for that
weekend, however high pressure was in charge for the NW & we were in for a
good weekend.
Met Robin after his work Thursday afternoon
& we headed North. Shiel Bridge Campsite was closed for the season in
November so we booked up at Morvich Campsite. We were pretty impressed with the
facilitites. A nice section for pitching, a sheltered BBQ & cooking area,
clean showers & toilets, warm drying room & a games room. We cooked up tea as Stephen & Lee came back
from a great day on the hills. They pitched up in the morning & did Beinn
Fhada & A' Ghlas-bheinn. Later we all walked 2 mile to the Kintail Lodge
Hotel for a few scoops. Got the forecast & the Friday looked the better of
the 2 days so we agreed to do the Forcan Ridge on the Friday.
Set off from the A87 layby around 9sh. Packed the poles away & began the enjoyable scrambling. The rock was dry & there was nothing difficult. One awkward bit were i had to use my upper body strength & swing myself over abit of rock. We got to the awkward 10 metre descent. Stephen took one look & went "nah" so did I & Robin. Lee attempted but quickly retraced his footing & took the path to the left. We weren't sure which was the actual summit. Touched the cairn anyway & made our way over to the trig point. Wandered over by the lochan admiring the ridges coming up from the West & North. Be good to return via these ridges one day. Even a wee wild camp spot at the lochan.
Headed up to the ridge quite quickly & up to the NorthWest top before the summit of Sgurr na Sgine. Returned to the ridge & it was an enjoyable plod around to the minor summit of Faochag. Then it was a long steep descent down the NorthEast ridge which felt like forever. Boggy anaw further down.
(22.10.2016)
11km. 6hrs 44min. 1,154m ascent. Cluanie Inn - 848m 854m - Sgurr an Fhuarail
987m - Aonach Meadhoin 1001m - Sgurr a
Bhealaich 1036m - Saileag956m - Bealach an Lapain
Saturday evening Pete met us at the layby just
as we finished the ridge. We headed back to the campsite & Pete booked a
pitch for the night. After scran we made the 4 mile return pilgrimage to the
boozer, with a can to break up the walk of course. Another good night with a
few light refreshments & the plan was to do the Brother's ridge on the
Saturday. Robin had done it before so suggested East to West to get the views
towards the 5 Sisters.
After breakfast we dropped Peter's car at the
layby & jumped in Stephen's car bound for the Cluanie Inn.We did the route from East to West, enjoying
the views to the Five Sisters. Ascended the open hill side from the Clunie Inn
in a NW direction to the 843 Top on the South East ridge of Sgurr an Fhuarail.
Then onto the Top itself before a slight descent and reascent to Munro number 1
Aonach Meadhoin, 1001m. We then descended to point 938m then the col at 827
before the climb up to Munro number two, Sgurr a’ Bhealaich Dheirg, which is NE
along a little narrow, rocky arrete with a drystone dyke. Headed back SW to
point 1030m then W down to 872m before climbing to the final Munro of the day,
Saileag 956m. Descended SW to Bealach an Lapain, 725m before a steep descent
South following the fence line to the car park. Peter gave Steve a lift back so
he could collect his car & pick us up. Back to the campsite to egt changed,
beers in the shower then the 2 mile walk to the Kintail Lodge Hotel for scran
and scoops.The ridge walk was very enjoyable as the sun
came out, with not much descent and reascent in between.12 miles for the weekend just to get to the
boozer & back. A cracking weekend & roll on the next one in Spring.
