Day 2 of GWC S3 Projects 2008.
We woke to another glorious day in Achininver. Sunshine and blue skys... plenty of suncream I thought! A couple of minutes drive down the road to the parking lay-by just before Culnacraig and we were there. It was a nice change not to have a long drive and a long lie in the morning.
Martin and lead the group up the Allt a Choire Reidh and then traversing along the slope to follow the Allt nan Coisiche. With the ground being rather dry, the going was steady. The initial steep incline was a great first test for the group. They coped with the complex ground fairly well and it was useful for us to access their confidence and fitness levels. We decided to attack Ben More Coigach from the north so we started up the steep slope to the bealach between Ben More Coigach and Garbh Choireachan. It was a bit of a slog in the blistering heat and the lacking breeze. The group was stretched as we paused and looked back down the slope. Kids finding it tough but doing well.
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| The group slogging up the slope from the Allt nan Coisiche |
As we gained the ridge, I forgot about the effort and feeling tired as the view was revealed before me; magnificent. The narrow ridge led to views in every direction as far as the eye could see.
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| The group on the summit of Garb Choireachan |
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| Ptarmigan on the summit of Garb Choireachan |
It was then an easy walk along the ridge to the top of Garb Choireachan, and then back again to the east to the top of Ben More Coigach. The weather was fine indeed today. Warm in the sun and only a slight breeze. Up there in the isolated Coigach horseshoe, taking the time to look around the landscape and reflect on the surroundings; it reminded me of pictures I had seen of the surface of Mars! A very unique place.
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| Approaching the summit of Ben More Coigach |
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| Garb Choireachan from Ben More Coigach |
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| Martin and I heading towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir |
A short decent to the north led us down to the plateau and easily towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir. On reaching the summit, we were treated to stunning views of Stac Pollaidh and further north to the other Sutherland peaks. It was impressed that most of the kids recognised the hill from the previous day's adventure.
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| Martin and I checking out the view over the north face of Sgurr an Fhidhleir! |
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| Stac Pollaidh, Beinn an Eoin, Cul Beag, Suilven and Cul Mor - not a bad view! |
We didn't bother with the spot height of 648m, as time was getting on. Instead, we headed straight for Beinn nan Caorach, then on to Cairn Conmheall to complete the circuit. At the final summit we had excellent views over the Summer Isles to the west.
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| The Ben More Coigach ridge from Beinn nan Caorach |
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| The Summer Isles from Cairn Conmheall |
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| Heading back down |
All that remained was the steep decent down to the van via the northwest slopes. The group had made a great effort for the first full day on the hill and we now had a good idea of their abilities and tolerance. A full on day by any standards so the evening meal back at the hostel was a very welcome one! Another good day.
