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
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