Sgurr Ghiubhsachain (849m), Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn (775m) and Meall a' Bhainne (559m) 3rd June 2009

Sgurr Ghiubhsachain from Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn

Sgurr Ghiubhsachain (849m)

It was another hot and sunny day as I parked the car at the Forestry Commission car park at Callop. I started walking at 9.15 am along the broad track that leads along the shore of Loch Shiel. This was very pleasant, giving views to Glenfinnan with the viaduct and the monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Beinn Odhar Mhor, Beinn Odhar Bheag, Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr an Utha. At the remote cottage of Geusachan, where there was a mini hydro electric scheme in development, I left the track to begin the climb of Sgurr Ghiubhsachain. The mountain dominated the view and looked rocky and inaccessable, although I was to find that appearances can deceive. A faint and intermittent path climbed the hillside and I found it hard work in the sun. It was a rocky mountain but there were easy ways through the crags at every stage, and I reached the large cairn marking the summit at 12.45 pm. I stayed for 40 minutes to eat lunch and admire the view. This was extensive and included Beinn Odhar Mhor, Beinn Odhar Bheag, Loch Shiel, Sgurr an Utha, Sgurr Thuilm, Gulvain, Braigh nan Uamhachan, Ben Resipol, Sgurr Dhomhnuill, the wild hills of Ardgour, Ben Hiant, the islands of Mull and Skye, the Mamores, Ben Nevis, and much more.

Sgurr Ghiubhsachain

The ring of crags around the summit of Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn

Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn (775m)

It was a steep descent down the rocky slopes of Sgurr Ghiubhsachain but I accomplished it with ease, finding a way through the crags. The ascent of Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn was easy enough apart from the ring of crags which encircled the top. I tried to climb through them and I was one move away from doing this but it was too difficult for me. I then realised I was on steep terrain that I didn't actually like. Retreat was not easy and I had to throw my pack down in order descend back to safe ground. I traversed around to the left and found an area where the crags ran out and it was a simple walk to the top. I reached the cairn at 2.40 pm and stayed for 10 minutes to take photos and admire the scene before me. Sgurr Ghiubhsachain looked impressive, as did Loch Eil and Ben Nevis, and there was a great view of the Cuillin ridge and Bla Bheinn on Skye.

Meall a' Bhainne (559m)

After descending from the summit thare was a short ascent over the subsidiary top of Sgorr nan Cearc, followed by a descent to the Bealach na Geire. The direct descent to the bealach was blocked by crags and cliffs, necessitating a detour. I descended steep grassy slopes and had a small climb up to the bealach, before climbing 200 meters up to the summit of Meall a' Bhainne. The ascent was hard work as it was hot and I was tired, but I reached the top at 4.40 pm. The view to Glenfinnan monument and viaduct was particularly beautiful. From the top there was a descent of easy looking slopes to Callop, which I found hard work due to tiredness. Just before reaching the track near Callop I surprised a red deer hind but she was too quick for me to get a photo. A short walk along the track brought me back to the car at 5.55 pm, a total of 8 hours and 40 minutes.

Glenfinnan viaduct and monument

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