Paul and I had a good couple of days munro-bagging this week, initially in the 'forbidden glen' Lyon (see my previous blogs on this), and then in the much more welcoming Glen Lochay.
On Thursday we did the Carn Mairg four from Invervar in a less-than-favourable forecast of 50 mph SW wind and rain all day, let alone low cloud. It was one of those days when you get the hills to yourself, and actually the wind wasn't anything like forecast, more like 15mph, so having expected the worst, we had a really enjoyable day. When the visibility was poor, we just followed the old fence line predominantly, (though I was glued to the map of course), and it just added to the atmosphere.
It was pleasing that the belligerent North Chesthill estate had removed the 'Walk Elsewhere' sign, as at least the stag culling has ended. The main issue now is the awful mess made by the clear-felling on the wood just north of the houses, but once past that, the estate signage is actually helpful, much as it pains me to say so. We did see a very large herd of deer, so the estate still has plenty! ;)
We had a dusting of snow on high, and even a frozen runnel which shows winter is well on its way. The descent is down the delightful Roinn na Creige ridge, with the beautiful glen coming out from under the cloud in its autumn russets and browns, and then back through the devastation to the road.

A splendid evening was spent in the Bridge of Lochay hotel, which I heartily recommend for their food, welcome and lovely rooms. We had a cracking breakfast before we set off in the crisp morning light up the glen for Creag Mhor and Beinn Heasgarnich.
These two require a big old effort, and we decided than rather take the guidebook route, we would cycle to Batavaime before starting the ascent. The track is good, but muddy, and we were saturated before we even started, (and even worse on the return, plastered in mud)!
The glen has a lot of fencing for both stock and deer that has to be negotiated, and a new track not on my maps from just west of Batavaime up to the higher track. From there, a faint path can be taken to a gate in the deer fence, and then a rising traverse along Sron nan Eun can be made. I climbed it direct on my last few visits according to my log, but it looked uninviting today to say the least. I was younger then!
Once the ridge was gained, there is a decent path to summit, today covered in rimed grass and a delicate snow carpet. The summit was clear, though we didn't linger due to the biting wind. The descent goes initially N to avoid the crags, then E to the boggy bealach, before a steady plod up to the high point of Stob an Fhir-bohge, and then on to Beinn Heasgarnich itself. By the time we got there, the weather was closing in, and as we descended the gnarly but easy ground East of the ridge, heading straight for Batavaime, it started to snow fairly briskly. We were glad we weren't still high and walking into it, as we suspected a fella who had been behind us was, but when we emerged from the clouds, we could see him just ahead, having wisely turned back after one summit. We chatted, and he had had enough for the day, given the cycle out still to do.
So another 6 chalked up for Paul, who isn't counting, but is on 67 ;)

​Now I'd better go and get my filthy kit sorted for the Himalayas..............

​After getting up early this morning, I had a quick check of the forecast and decided all other chores should be put off in lieu of a hill day. It was to be clear all day, with 7c in the valley, after a frosty start, and 3c on the summits, but very cold in the 20-25 NW wind. Sunny, with high cloud. I decided to do Meall Ghaordaidh from the North, crossing the bridge at Stronuich in Glen Lyon. Glen Lyon was described by Sir Walter Scott as 'Scotland’s longest, loneliest and loveliest glen', and who am I to argue? Stretching for over 30 miles, it was once home to over 2,000 people. Today, the Glen’s residents number fewer than 100.
 
I have had a downer on poor old Meall Ghaordaidh for years, after an awful ascent during my first round of the munros in March 2002. It was a stormy day, with wet snow filling the peat hags, so was a toil as a consequence. I had vowed never to return, but the passage of time and some good weather is a great healer. I checked for stalking issues again (see my blog last week on Chesthill - Grrr!), and despite the excellent Meggernie Estate boards saying that there was a hill path, there wasn't at all, so I just picked my way that it had indicated. The going was always grassy and tussocky, weaving its way around the crags, but never technical, just steep. 
 
I skirted Creag Laoghain, and ascended the centre of the East flank, where two burns come down into one. There was a shallower coire above, and I should have trended left, South, but instead went straight up. It looked OK, but the moss was frozen, and it was quite steep enough, thank you. Then it was a pleasant walk into the sun over frosty ground to be on top in less than 1hr 20min.
 
The views were excellent for the whole 360 degrees, and I had a good sit for a while with my flask. I was joined by a nice chap, Kerr, an off duty sailor, and we gossiped about all things munro. Before long it was too cold to linger, so after bidding farewell, I headed East to the bealach just before P890 , then turned North again down the wide coire, and was back down in less than 3hrs!
 
I always knew that any alternative to the standard route would be preferable, as I detest boggy walks, and particularly peat hags, and I wasn't disappointed. The long drive around to the end of Glen Lyon gives it a slightly wilder feel, despite the hydro paraphernalia and stalking lodges, and is well worth it in my opinion.