Gairich

Gairich

It wont have escaped anyone’s attention that this week’s weather and the fine art of hillwalking are not made for each other.  A succession of ‘vigorous’ Atlantic depressions is giving the NW Highlands a conveyor belt of gale-force winds and sustained heavy rain.  The result is the least successful week in Matt & Jenn’s 5-yr Munro campaign which is especially frustrating as they are so near the end!

The View From the Car

The one day we have managed to achieve so far resulted from an all-too-brief respite from the Atlantic onslaught which gave us just long enough to tackle the isolated peak of Gairich on the long and winding road to Kinlochhourn.

The View East Approaching the Summit

Parking by the Loch Quoich dam, we splish-sploshed our not-so-merry way across the sodden moorland for an hour to access the broad shoulder of Druim na Geid Salaich which gives access to the peak from the E.  There was a path, but it seemed academic such was the amount of groundwater.

Dark Storm Clouds Were Never far Away!

At least the wind had relented sufficiently enough to allow for walking as we passed the intermediate mound of Bac nam Foid (584m) and finally reached the shapely pyramid of Gairich itself.

Gleouraich Across Loch Quoich

The following 300m climb up steep slopes was greatly helped by an excellent path and fine views N across Coire Thollaidh to Loch Quoich and S across the watery wastes of Glen Kingie.

High Above Glen Kingie

The end came quickly with the summit cairn appearing shortly after the steepness eases and the relatively small summit area ensures some cracking views in all directions: Gairich (919m; roaring hill).

Loch Quoich

We returned the same way with some sunshine and light winds to brighten the mood, and only deer for company.  We knew, however, that this would be a rare experience this week - perhaps even a unique one….

Check out my plans for similar walks at: http://www.hillways.co.uk/summer/summer.htm