Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean
25 May 2007
It was wet as I set off from the lay-by on the A890 Achnasheen to
Lochcarron road around a kilometre west of the bridge over the Allt
Coire Crubaidh. The parking area was marked on the recent addition of
the OS Landranger Map 25.
A gate beside the lay-by gave access to a field where since my last
visit the path leading to the bridge over the River Carron had been
improved. Unfortunately the improvements stopped at the river
crossing and thereafter it was, as usual, wet and boggy. A further
short distance took me to the railway underpass and ahead the open
hillside. Here also the lower section of the hillside was wet and
boggy but it improved higher up.
It was a steady plod and I stuck to the side of a burn for some
interest as there isn't much going for this approach route other than
the nearness to the main road. However as height was gained, the
rain ceased, and I had views of the North Achnashellach and Torridon
mountains and to distant Loch Maree.
The weather was improving with glimpses of the sun but there was a
cold wind blowing which was stronger the higher I climbed. I could
also see dark clouds forming to the north. I reached the summit
cairn of Moruisg where there were good views across to Maoile
Lunndaidh. I sought some shelter behind the cairn for coffee and
sandwich taking in the views to the south but being aware of the cloud
building up behind me.
I packed up and was about to set off along the ridge when horizontal
snow, light at first, struck the area. I headed over to a smaller
cairn but I am not sure which of the two cairns is the highest
point. Here I was blasted by snow and a strong wind which made for
difficult walking conditions and with reduced visibility it was hard
going for around ten minutes. I negotiated to the 854 Point and was
heading for the Coire an Tuill Bhain as the snow stopped and the cloud
lifted which allowed me to spot a couple of ptarmigan who were trying
to detract me from my descent route.
Quoted message said:From Coire an Tuill Bhain it was a short climb, a bit rocky higher up,
onto the summit cairn of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean where I had some good
views especially from a small cairn slightly to the south of the
summit. Maoile Lunndaidh was white after the short snow storm.
I returned down the north-east ridge of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean before
heading down its north ridge. This ridge was fairly steep lower down
and I had to avoid some rocks before I reached the Altan na Feola. I
crossed this stream and followed the path on its north side. It was
in poor condition higher up but lower down the path wasn't as wet and
boggy, except in the final stretches around the railway underpass.
It was then the short return to the lay-by and my car.
Time taken - 5 hours.
Distance - 11 kilometres.
Height climbed - 1000 metres.
Photos taken on walk can be seen here:
http://www.caledoniahilltreks.com/gallery07/moruisg_may07/index.htm
Lindsay
www.caledoniahilltreks.com