Sunday, May 25, 2008

Arrochar Sun 25th May

Set off before 8 for a double munro outing in bright sunshine this morning. Planned route from Succouth straight up Beinn Narnain over the top and down to the Bealach a' Mhaim then up Beinn Ime returning via the Bealach and the path between the Cobbler and Narnain down to Succouth, about 10 miles & 5000' of ascent.

Weather was so good couldn't get the drive to Succouth over quick enough, sun, blue skies and clouds scudding around on the wind. Bonus at the car park, no-one parked at my rock and the parking ticket machine is out of order.

Set off for the climb up Narnain over 3000' in just over 2 miles. Starts with a steep climb up an old cable railway/stream followed by a short plod to where a stream splashes down rock, pick your way through then its up a series of terraces and gullies. Views open up all around as you climb, a few pics in the galeria. You need to use your hands in a couple of places but nothing dangerous and with a final climb up through the Spearhead your on top.

Finally worked out a short route through the boulder field before a pleasant run down to the Bealach. Over the fence and back to a plod up Ime. Doesn't take long to reach the top but the extra 300' or so means it feels a bit cooler than Narnian. Stop to re-fuel and to take a few more pictures sheltering behind the turret cairn.

Good run back down pausing only to take a bearing (165 degrees) to the Bealach for days when the cloud is down, it is surprisingly hard to pick this out in mist.

Ran across to join the new path at the back of the Cobbler and pushed on through the thickening crowds on their way up, thankful that my climbing was over for the day.

Finished in 3 hrs 5 mins, and sat overlooking Loch Long in glorious sunshine for a few minutes before the drive back.

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