Lorna’s Mountains 2016
Date:	Where:	Munro (M)		Notes:
		Corbett (C)
		Graham (G)
		No:	Total:
2^nd January	Glas-bheinn Mhor, Alltsigh, Loch Ness.	G1	G95	Parked at the old youth hostel at Alltsigh and followed the Allt Saigh track to its end about a mile south of the hill. Returned on the outward route, discovering an old farmstead/township above the Allt Saigh where the track enters the woodland. Met four women at the summit who had come over from Grotaig in a circular walk of the two Grahams.
9^th January	Leana Mhor (west), Glen Roy.	G1	G96	Parked at the road bridge and climbed directly west to the summit. Walked the long ridge south-west to the trig on Coire Ceirsle Hill. Returned to Meall an Driuchain and descended its east ridge into Coire Ionndrainn and the track to the road. Long slog over tussocky moorland with a powdery covering of snow. Fine, overcast day with good visibility. Snowy Ben Nevis in cloud but clear on the drive into Spean Bridge.
16^th January	Carn Glas-choire, Carrbridge.	G1	G97	Lovely winter’s day with snow in the hills. Followed the track past Auchterteang to the township ruins at Garrocher which included an impressive corn-drying kiln with intact stonework. Continued on the track to a point due North of the township where a boundary stone marked the watershed. Headed West off the track over the craggy minor tops and onwards to the summit trig. Descended East to the nearest track for a direct return to Garrocher. Typical grouse-moor terrain but with some interesting outcrops of rock on the higher ground.
23^rd January	Creag Dhubh, Newtonmore.	G1	G98	Pleasant day but very windy up the hill. Parked at Lochain Uvie and followed the track along the Allt na Glaic to break out of the woodland. Connected with a track towards the hill before moving across to the path up the main ridge. Surprisingly easy ascent. Panoramic view of the Monadhliath hills with Glen Banchor below. Returned on the outward route.
6^th February	Stob a’ Ghrianain, Glen Loy.	G1	G99	Parked near Inverskilavulin Bridge and walked an anti-clockwise circuit of the two ridges forming Coire an Lightuinn. Descended Sron Liath with light fading but made it back through forest without use of torches. Overcast day with limited visibility on summit. Reasonable snow cover gave an enjoyable winter mountaineering feel to the upper hill. Nearby Nevis range obliterated by cloud. Found evidence of a few dwellings by the forest track.
12^th March	Carn nan Tri-tighearnan, Daless Farm.	G1	G100	Parked at Daless Farm. Crossed the ford over the Allt Breac and followed tracks up onto the plateau. Visited the trig of Carn an Uillt Bhric then walked West to the summit trig. Returned South-East to the pointed outcrop of Cnoc a’ Chinn Leith then descended to the outward track. A few deep snowdrifts remaining higher up but ground mostly clear. Dry, overcast day.
19^th March	Leana Mhor (east), Glen Roy.	G1	G101	Parked near the road-end in Glen Roy. Crossed the footbridge and headed uphill aiming to traverse Carn Bhrunachain on the 350m Parallel Road. On reaching Coire Dubh followed the Allt Feith Bhrunachain southwards, eventually traversing upwards to the 650m south top of Leana Mhor. Headed north to the main top then descended the north-east ridge to Brunachan bothy. Pleasant riverside walk back to the car. Dry, overcast day with distant summit views obscured by cloud.
26^th March	Creag Ruadh, Kinloch Laggan.	G1	G102	Parked near Sherrabeg and followed the ridge south-west to a point overlooking Loch na Lairige and then on to the trig. Followed the high ground around the head of Coire na Lairige and visited Dun da Lamh Pictish fort. Descended on tracks to the Spey Dam and road back. Light rain most of the walk but not too unpleasant with reasonable views. Interesting walk.
2^nd April	Creag Liath, Glen Banchor, Newtonmore.	G1	G103	Superb circular walk in calm, sunny conditions. Parked at the road-end and walked north through township ruins to visit the Pictish fort site with evidence of a single round house on top. Continued north and west to pass behind Creag nan Abhag and join the Allt Fionndrigh track. Moved north to use the footbridge then walked south, visiting the various tops of Creag Liath. Descended from the southerly 642m top to Glenballoch and the track back. Fine views of snow-topped neighbouring hills.
9^th April	Meall Mor, Loch Glass.	G1	G104	Anti-clockwise walk from the road-end near Loch Glass. Walked to the loch, crossed the river and used forest tracks to ascend Meall an Tuirc. Visited the summit cairn within the Novar wind farm. Continued north-west up Meall Mor in cloud and rain but rain ceased and visibility returned on reaching the top. Excellent view across to an impressive, snowy Ben Wyvis range. Continued north-west over Meall Beag to descend the footpath to Wyvis Lodge and the track back. Rain and cloud at the start of the walk but dry and sunny from the main summit onwards.
16^th April	Carn a’ Choin Deirg, Glen Alladale.	G1	G105	Superb wintry walk in spectacular scenery. Parked at the road-end near Glencalvie Lodge and followed the track past Alladale Lodge to the cottages at Alladale. Climbed Carn Alladale then followed the high ground north to the summit trig. Descended south-west to join the Allt a’ Chlaiginn track for the return. Visited the Eas Charron falls on the walk back and drove to Croick church before leaving. Mixed weather including sun, blue sky, overcast, snow and hail. Good visibility throughout the day.
23^rd April	Carn Salachaidh, Strathcarron, Ardgay.	G1	G106	Dreary moorland approach but fine summit with many rocky outcrops and boulders. Parked by Gruinards Lodge and walked the track south to start the climb. Visited Carn a’ Bhealaich, 633m top, summit trig (646m), summit tor (647m) and Carn Bhrain. Descended north-west and traversed the northern slopes to return to the track. Dry day, cold north wind, occasional snowflake, mostly dull but good visibility.
30^th April	Beinn Tharsuinn, Strath Rory.	G1	G107	Parked at Strathrory Bridge on The Struie and followed the quarry track to the foot of the hill. Climbed Torr Leathann then visited Clach na h-Iolaire before ascending Beinn Tharsuinn. Continued north over the second 692m top to the cairn on Sithean a’ Choin Bhain. Descended south-east over rugged moorland to the outward track. Sunny day with blue sky and cold wind, occasionally becoming overcast. Surprising amount of snow on the higher ground.
14^th May	Loch Esk circular walk, Glen Clova, Angus Glens.			Superb scenic walk on a lovely sunny day retracing the intended route of a 3-party group of walkers who met with disaster in March 1976. Parked at Glen Clova Ranger Station and walked the west bank of the River South Esk to the Bachnagairn ruin. Continued on the hill path up Glittering Skellies and above Loch Esk to meet Jock’s Road near Cairn Lunkard. The path junction here looks over the scene of the 1959 New Year’s Day incident where 5 hill-walkers died walking Jock’s Road to Glen Doll Youth Hostel. Direct return to car on Jock’s Road, visiting Davie Glen’s shelter (“Davy’s Bourach”) on the way.
21^st May	The Buck, Cabrach.	G1	G108	Direct ascent from the road. Located the triple-fish rock carving near the summit trig. Continued over Kebbuck Knowe, Scad Hill and Clayhooter Hill. Descended to a small lochan and Dead Wife’s Cairn but no sign of any cairn, just overgrown scattered rubble. Followed the track back to the road past some interesting Craig/Clova boundary stones and over Silverford Bridge. Intermittent sunshine and showers with strong wind at the summit. Visited Auchindoun Castle on the drive home.
28^th May	Carn na h-Easgainn, Moy.	G1	G109	Parked on the old A9 at Moy and followed the track under the railway, across the A9 and past Lynebeg and Lynemore. Continued to the trig and vague 618m summit before returning on the track to Dalmagarry and the road back. Warm, sunny day with almost no wind. Clear view to the Cairngorms, hazy around Inverness.
4^th June	Pressendye, Strathdon.	G1	G110	Parked on a minor road to the north-west. Followed the old drove road to Lazy Well then on further tracks to the east over Molly Watt’s Hill, Broom Hill and Pressendye. Returned north of Broom Hill, over Frosty Hill then down to the Mill of Culfork and the road back. Hot sunny day with blue skies and light wind.
11^th June	Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn, Lochgoilhead.	G1	G111	Muggy day with low, wet cloud and occasional light drizzle. Direct ascent from, and return to, the road to the south-east. Rugged little hill with no summit view but very enjoyable.
18^th June	Ben Hiant, Ardnamurchan, Lochaber.			Lovely sunny day with light breeze. Parked at the Camas nan Geall viewpoint and walked the short track to the beach. Visited a ruined chambered cairn, a possible church structure (east-west orientation), the Cladh Chiarain cross-slab and a small enclosure (cemetery?) containing two 1700s gravestones and fragments of others. Followed the shore path, visiting the fort site on Sgeir Fhada, and continuing to Port a’ Chamais. Turned north-east to follow the fence-line to the ruined clearance township of Bourblaige. Approached Ben Hiant’s south-west ridge from here, topping out on the 387m outlier. Followed the ridge to the summit then descended the north-east ridge to the road. Pleasant road walk back to the car. Superb little hill in a fantastic setting.
25^th June	Sgurr a’ Gharaidh, Lochcarron.	G1	G112	Warm, clear sunny day after a cloudy start. Parked by Loch an Loin and walked the Glasnock track towards Bealach a’ Ghlas-chnoic, latterly chased by horseflies. Turned south past a lochan to climb a scree gully between the crags. Explored the high ground to the south-east by walking to the 711m trig, proceeding north to Glas Bheinn then descending north-west to a lochan. Approached the main summit through a mottled landscape of further lochans for fine views from the top. Descended to the west via Lochan Meall na Caillich and Cnoc nam Broc then back down to Glasnock.
2^nd July	Beinn Lochain, Lochgoilhead.	G1	G113	Although overlooking Lochgoilhead this hill was climbed from Strachur to the west. Followed the Cowal Way to the Cab Liogan bridge then continued on tracks to follow the river upstream. Climbed a fire-break east, following a stream, to the site of an aircraft wreck. Continued uphill from here to climb Beinn Tharsuinn, the hill the aircraft clipped before crashing. Descended south-west to the bealach then south to the main top accompanied by a tedious westerly wind. Descended the west ridge towards its lowest point then turned south to rejoin the Cowal Way for the return. Showery day with strong wind on the tops and perceptible wind-chill in spite of the season. Aircraft: Boeing B-29A Superfortress 44-62276, crashed 17^th January 1949, all 20 crew perished.
16^th July	Cnoc Coinnich, Ardgartan, Argyll.	C1	C178	Formerly a Graham, this hill has just been resurveyed and moved to the Corbett List. Wet and windy day with cloud on the tops. Parked at Coilessan and followed the Cowal Way up onto the high ground. Climbed the north-west ridge up onto a cloudy summit then returned by the outward route. Pleasant hill for a rainy day.
23^rd July	Beinn na Sroine, Glen Orchy.	G1	G114	Dull day but stayed dry. Cloud on surrounding high tops. Parked by the forest gate south-west of Achnafalnich in Glen Orchy. Followed the track through the forest to the open hill then continued on the main ridge. Proceeded a short distance north-east beyond the trig for a view up Glen Lochy then turned west to descend the north bank of the Allt na Faing. Chosen as a rainy day hill but the rain didn’t happen.
30^th July	Mam Hael & Beinn Molurgainn, Bonawe, Loch Etive.	G2	G116	Parked in Gleann Salach near the foot of Beinn Bhreac’s broad south ridge. Climbed to the large cairn on Beinn Bhreac then continued north and east to the 726m summit (called Beinn Bhreac in the Graham Tables but usually called Mam Hael to distinguish it from Beinn Bhreac). Followed the high ground east and south to Beinn Molurgainn then descended south-west, crossing two rivers, to join the outward route just south of Beinn Bhreac. Occasional cloud and light drizzle. Thick cloud on neighbouring high tops. Hazy views towards Oban and Mull.
6^th August	Stob an Eas, Hell’s Glen, Argyll.	G1	G117	Promising start but deteriorated into wind, rain and low cloud once above the forest. Parked in Hell’s Glen and followed the forest track to reach the open hill. Having located the summit trig it was obvious that a shortened route would be appropriate given the conditions. Consequently, continued along the north-east ridge to the bealach and returned in the coire below Stob an Eas. Easy walk in testing conditions missing all of the anticipated scenery.
21^st August	An Ruadh-Stac, Coulags.	C1	C179	Warm day with very low cloud at the start of the walk but clearing on the lower slopes of Ruadh Stac Bheag. Walked the track from Coulags Bridge to the Coire Fionnaraich bothy then turned south again to start climbing westwards. Followed the Allt Loch Moine a Chriathair to the loch at its source then continued west on a compass bearing to locate Ruadh Stac Bheag. Climbed the southern slopes of Ruadh Stac Bheag then ascended An Ruadh-Stac on a direct line slightly west of its main south ridge. Superb scenery with good visibility from the summit cairn and transient cloud on distant tops. Returned on the route of ascent with An Ruadh-Stac looking very impressive on the cloudless descent. Superb day out over rugged terrain and an incredibly rocky hill.
28^th August	Beinn a’ Chlachain, Applecross.	G1	G118	Parked at the foot of the south-west ridge. Followed the road a short distance to gain the track up Srath Maolchaluim then climbed the western (left) edge of Coire Glas. Located the summit trig in thin, drifting cloud which quickly cleared to reveal excellent views across to Raasay and Skye. Returned down the long south-west ridge, strewn with boulders, rocky outcrops and lochans. Joined the coastal path near an old milestone for the short walk to the car. Warm, dry, sunny day.
4^th September	Sabhal Beag, Achfary, Sutherland.	G1	G119	Hot sunny day to start, light cloud on the summit and pouring rain on the descent. Lots of frogs and two interesting old footbridges. Great views of Ben Stack and Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill. Parked north of Achfary. Followed the track to Lone then the footpath along the Abhainn an Loin to Bealach na Feithe. Climbed the hill from here and returned on the route of ascent.
10^th September	Meall Buidhe, Glen Ogle.	G1	G120	Warm sunny day with high cloud casting shadows over the hills. Parked at the head of Glen Ogle then followed the track up to the radio mast. Continued north-east to visit the various tops of Beinn Leabhainn then southwards to Meall Buidhe. Descended south-east, crossing moorland, to reach a downward track into the glen. Crossed the road to join a track uphill to return on the Glen Ogle Trail. This follows the line of a disused railway over a viaduct and past the old station.
18^th September	Deuchary Hill, Dunkeld.			Warm sunny day with light wind. Parked at the Cally car park on the Atholl Estate. Followed the track past Upper Hatton to reach The Glack and Mill Dam. Continued to the second crossing of the Leddown Burn where a narrow footpath led north to the summit. Descended past Lochan na Beinne to Loch Ordie at Lochordie Lodge. Returned via Raor Lodge, Dowally Loch and Rotmell Loch to the outward track at Mill Dam. New boots in action: Scarpa Delta GTX size 39.
25^th September	The Coyles of Muick, Ballater.			Sunny day with cool breeze on the higher ground. Parked near Loch Ullachie and followed the forest track onto the broad north ridge. Continued south on a footpath over Carn a’ Bhealaidh with a diversion to the cairn on Meall Dubh. Descended south to discover a newly built stone shelter* then re-joined the path to reach the twin tops of the Coyles. Views here towards Lochnagar and Loch Muick. Descended to a crossing of the Girnock Burn and returned on the track down the glen. Diverted up to the derelict house at Camlet and the township ruins below. Encountered an agitated adder just before Camlet. Also visited the ruined house at Loinveg with additional township ruins evident further on. * See www.peatandheather.co.uk
2^nd October	Ben A’an, Trossachs.			Sunny day, blue sky, almost no wind. Walked the tourist path from the shore of Loch Achray. Continued north-west for a descent to Loch Katrine but failed to find a route through the forest. Returned on the tourist path. Great view of Ben Venue and Loch Katrine.
9^th October	Beinn Mheadhonach, Bonawe, Loch Etive.	G1	G121	Sunny day with light wind. Parked on the Gleann Salach road then walked downhill to three fields, one of which had gates through to the open hill. Climbed from here onto the 387m top, then onwards over the 619m top and finally the summit. Surprisingly arduous ascent with many ups and downs over craggy outcrops. Interesting hill with a line of three individual mini-peaks on the summit. Returned to the 619m top then descended north-west to cross the River Esragan for a direct walk to the road.
16^th October	Biod an Fhithich, Glen Shiel, Kintail.	G1	G122	Bright start becoming overcast later with wind and rain following. Dry at the summit and on the descent. Circular walk from a layby on the Glen Shiel road. Walked to the Shiel Bridge campsite to start the ascent along the long north ridge. Gained the summit after many ups and downs over fairly rugged terrain. Descended south to Bealach na Craoibhe then continued on the stalker’s path to the road. Superb setting in mountainous terrain with excellent views throughout.
29^th October	Beinn an Eoin, Coigach.	G1	G123	Rainy start with very low cloud but gradually improved to reveal the total high-level route. Surrounding hills all visible at some point during the afternoon. Followed a very muddy footpath from the southern tip of Loch Lurgainn up the Allt Claonaidh to where it forks. Crossed here and climbed the hillside opposite to reach Cioch Beinn an Eoin. Followed the ridge over the main top to Sgorr Deas then descended to the lochan. Climbed the frontal ridge of Sgorr Tuath’s 565m top then continued east to descend the 589m top. Crossed the coire to return to the Allt Claonaidh and the muddy footpath back to the road. Darkness finish.
5^th November	Carn a’ Chaochain, Cougie.	G1	G124	Parked at Plodda Falls then walked the track to Cougie. Climbed the path along the Allt na Fearna to Bealach Feith na Gamha and ascended from there. Visited the trig on the north top then the three cairns on the main top. Descended north-west towards Meallan na Duibhre then downhill through cleared forestry to a Cougie track. Dry, sunny day with cold wind. Snow visible on the Glen Affric Munros.
12^th November	Creag Choinnich & Carn nan Sgliat, Braemar.			Parked in Braemar and climbed Creag Choinnich on a waymarked forest path. Continued on paths to the ruin of Dubh Chlais, famous for Queen Victoria’s visits to the occupants: Mr. & Mrs. Thomson. An old stalker’s path commences here and ascends Carn nan Sgliat. Followed this path to the summit shelter then walked out to the cairn on the south-west ridge for a view down to Auchallater farmhouse, the start of Jock’s Road. Sunny day with cold wind. Distant views of snowy Cairngorms.
19^th November	Creag Dhubh Mhor, Achintee, Strathcarron.	G1	G125	Pleasant start to the day with snow down to road level. Less pleasant on the summit with wind, cloud and falling snow. Parked in Achintee and followed the Bearnais footpath to the wide gully at the north-eastern end of Creag Dhubh Mhor. Climbed the gully then continued up the broad ridge to the summit. Abandoned plans for a circular walk as navigation would have been tedious walking into the weather. Quick return on the outward route following snowy footprints back to the path. Good view from the top of the gully into a snowy Attadale wilderness.
26^th November	Croic-Bheinn, Applecross Peninsula.			Parked at Inverbain and walked the old Applecross coffin route to its highest point south-east of the hill. Climbed from here to the summit cairn and onwards to the lower trig point. Visited an old shieling site part way along the path and saw several cairns on the higher ground towards the bealach. Returned on the outward route. Low cloud resulted in drizzle and poor visibility after a reasonably good start.
10^th December	Applecross coffin roads.			This walk connects with the above route to continue the Inverbain coffin road to Applecross. Walked from Applecross up Srath Maolchaluim, visiting township ruins along the track. Continued northwards on the Kenmore coffin road towards its highest point at a path junction. Followed the Alltan Fail path to its junction with the Inverbain coffin road and continued north-east to the cairn marking the high point of the pass. A second ascent of Croic-Bheinn was ruled out as fierce weather commenced on reaching the cairn. Returned to Applecross on the Inverbain coffin road which connects with the outward route at the head of the glen. Sunshine and showers, unpleasant for a short while on the high ground.
17^th December	Croic-Bheinn, Applecross Peninsula.			This walk connects with the above route to complete the Kenmore coffin road to Applecross. Parked near Kenmore and walked the path, past numerous lochans, to the cairn and path junction at the head of the pass. Continued on the Alltan Fail path a short distance then climbed Croic-Bheinn from the south. Visited the summit cairn but omitted the lower trig point (visited previously) due to poor visibility. Returned on the outward route. Located an old milestone along the path and a few new, less interesting, replacement milestones. Dry, overcast day with brisk wind. Low cloud on most hilltops including Croic-Bheinn.