Two weekends in a row! I had managed to carve out a bit of time to head North and get my 10th new Munro of the year in. I had arranged the afternoon off work, but had to get some emergency dental work done, so I packed the van the night before and headed for Partick where I picked up some supplies for the weekend, then headed to get a filling sorted. Fortunately, no anaesthetic was required and I was back in the van and on the road by, appropriately, 2:30.
I made my way up the road in plenty of daylight and it was just dimming as I passed through Glencoe. I was in Fort William for the last of the light, which was a good stopping point for a chippy tea. I caught up with some correspondence (Shig was in Glencoe so we were arranging the next nights' plans).
I headed straight for the Cluanie Inn parking spot that I often use and headed to the bar. I stayed for one, the atmosphere a bit dull and figured I'd enjoy a few beers and the guitar back at the van with no one to annoy but the stags, attempting to harmonise with me in the night.
I hit the hay and was up at 0630, got the bed away and got breakfast on the go. I headed round the long road to Arnisdale via Glenelg. First of all was the Màm Ràtagan, which was a 350m climb from sea level over a high bealach. Given my previous experiences with the van, I had my reservations, but Gunter powered over the top of the pass and down the other side like he doesn't have 90,000 miles on those pistons.
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| Hairy coos on the road |
I got to Arnisdale at 0850, got changed into my running gear and left the van at 0905.
It was immediately a steep climb up the side of a burn and through dense, dying bracken, despite the obvious path.
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| Arnisdale |
One advantage of the steep climb was the view opening out. That didn't last long however, and by the 600m point of Bealach Arnasdail I was completely enveloped in clag. On top of that, the wind was pretty wild. From the bealach, it's onto steep scree which slowed me a bit. I hit the 906m point that marks the start of the ridge about 1030 and the wind was getting worryingly intense. I had all my layers on and the light rucksack was being lifted off my back by the wind. I'd say 50+mph - bordering on bailing, but I had as much distance behind as I did ahead, I was warm enough and I could duck down the leeward side of the ridge so that it blew over the top of me. Risk was assessed, and the plan was to continue on.
I made the summit at 1050 in some wild wind and rain, but I was quite happy and comfortable!
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| Views about 700m |
From there it was easy going to the lochan where I joined a downward track which headed through beautiful native forest and I was glad to be out of the wind.
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| Lovely forest on the path out - steep! |
The track was still really steep so it was a real relief to get back down the road, where I still had a few kms to run to get back to the van. I didn't see any cars until I got into Arnisdale and spotted a Morrisons delivery van heading up the hill.
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| Arnisdale and Beinn Sgritheall |
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| Arnisdale Post Office and it's 6hrs a week opening |
I made it back to the van at 1220 - 3h 16m after I'd started.
I got changed and stopped to help a farmer move a segment of those big fences that you find on building sites off the shore and onto his tractor. The Post Office is only open for 6 hours a week and I could absolutely see Postman Pat driving on these wee roads. All very West Highlands.
I headed back to Glencoe via the Landour Bakehouse (not great!) where I had planned a night in the van with some other friends by the Clachaig. We had a cracking night and was off home on Sunday for a run at Tyndrum.
Run Distance: 11.46km
Run Time: 3h 16m
Ascent: 1,162m
Munros Completed: 215
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