Beinn Bheag & Beinn Bhreac-Liath - Scotland day 3

We decided we'd like to go a little higher for our next walk but as were were unsure of the conditions we opted to go up a smaller hill first to view our route on. We knew we could either go down if it wasn't safe or continue on if all was well. We saw on the OS map that there was a clear track through the forest which would take us onto open ground for our climb up the hill. We headed up the Highland Way out of Tyndrum to avoid walking on the road, then left the way to cross back over the road and locate our track. We did find the start of it but our way was blocked by a very high deer fence (a new experience for me). Luckily there was a gap in the bottom so Emma and I slithered through whilst Mike went over the top.

Our track climbed steeply up and it was good to leave it and get onto the open moorland.





Beinn Bheag had quite a few false summits and we eventually reached what was the top after some slow going through deep snow.

False summits 1 and 2


Actual summit!


Snow showers were still blowing in and out so we had a bit of a bleak view from the top. We descended through huge drifts into the bealach (dip between the two). We got out the mountain shelter for our lunch to get out of the freezing wind, and once again as we lifted it off once done we were treated to blue skies and amazing views.

Hot squash in mountain shelter - mmmm!


Still snowing despite the blue skies











Emma loving the insanely deep snow - over the top of fence posts in places


Could not stop myself from repeatedly taking in this view



The air temperature felt very cold after our stop so we headed off as quick pace to our next hill which we decided we'd be okay to summit.



As we climbed higher Emma exclaimed at the views behind which was lovely to hear.



We all enjoyed the top, it reminded me of the plateau on the top of the Glyders.





Me looking pretty tired, coming up the snow slopes to the top was exhausting! - thanks for the photo Emma!


We came down through the crags which required some concentration as we had to traverse between the higher sections to find a safe passage through. We got down to Corie Shielach - a great gaping gorge inbetween forestry and followed the side of that back down to pick up numerous fire breaks leading us back to the road. We crossed it, then the railway and headed back along the shores of Loch Na Bi. The path to the Loch and path along the shore was horrendously boggy. Making our way to the loch I fell through the frozen bog a number of times and cursed it on quite a few occasions! It was lovely to see the partially frozen loch and the view was worth the effort.







We ended our day again in the Green Welly with more hot chocolate and cake and they gave us a free pasty as it was the end of the day - result!