Bidein Clann Raonaild cancelled - Torridon Heaven follows!

[Cuillin]

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My objective today was to ascend the sub 2000 Marilyn Bidein Clann Raonaild and get some nice views of Torridon in the forecast clear air. As I left the house it was a chilly -10oC and I had a good feeling that there would be some great views on this trip.

Little Wyvis (Corbett) from near the Achilty Hotel


As I passed Garve it became more and more white and the views just got better and better.

Sgurr a’ Mhuillin (Corbett) outlier and Loch a’ Chuillin


Although the road was in good condition, it was getting very, very cold as I got nearer Achnasheen!!

Nearly as cold as my freezer!



Fionn Bheinn (Munro)


The hamlet of Achnasheen flew by in a wink as usual but I started to get some good views towards Torridon.

Sgurr Dubh(Corbett) & Liathach(Munros) across Loch a’ Chroisg



Liathach, Bidein Clan Raonaild(Sub 2000 Marilyn) & Beinn Eighe(Munros)


Now for the bad news! It proved to be impossible to get a parking spot anywhere near the start point for Bidein Clann Raonaild, as either side of the road was covered in ploughed snow and there was no way I was prepared to block the road in order to dig out a space for the car.

However, I decided to make the best use of my time and started on a tour of Torridon to take some pictures – sit back and enjoy as today was really special! .First hill is visible as you enter Kinlochewe near the Incheril turn off.

Meall a’ Ghiuthais(Corbett)


Took the next shot just by Kinlochewe’s petrol station.

Robin and Beinn Eighe from Kinlochewe


Given where the sun was, I decided to head off up Loch Maree to get some pics and it was an absolute pleasure to see peak after snowy peak.

Slioch(Munro)



Slioch Zoom


I had wondered about heading up by Slattadale to get a shot of Baosbheinn but reckoned that the light would be wrong, so headed up to the Loch Maree Hotel to get some pictures by the wee piers where I’d taken the boat over to do Beinn Lair & Meall Mheinnidh in July.

Saw a pair of one of my favourite birds by an old pier.

Migrant Whooper Swans by Loch Maree Hotel


However, it wasn’t only the wildlife that was of interest here as the views across Loch Maree’s islands were fantastic, just follow the link below to see what I saw.

<<<Click Here For Loch Maree Hotel Pano>>>

Here’s the same hills pictured individually.

Beinn Airigh Charr(Corbett)



Meall Mheinnidh(Graham)



Beinn Lair(Corbett)


Having really enjoyed Loch Maree, I decided to head for Loch Clair, hoping to get some good shots of Liathach & Beinn Eighe. The temperature even at midday was -9oC but in the sunshine it was actually quite nice as I walked down the icy track (my Kahtoola Microspikes were great on this surface).

Loch Clair Outflow


As I walked along the track I could see the sun glinting off the hoar frost and took the following picture which shows just how delicate the frost crystals are.

Hoar frost on stem


However, my main target was to take a decent picture of Liathach and I just couldn’t believe how perfect the conditions were – I must have taken about twenty shots!

Liathach


Zoom shot of the eastern Munro.

Spidean a’ Choire Leith(Munro)


Of course it isn’t all about Munros round here and the next shot is of a very fine Corbett.

Sgurr Dubh(Corbett)


How to spoil a picture………..

Cuillin with Loch Clair & Liathach behind


Of course Loch Clair also gives a good view of the mighty Beinn Eighe, so here’s a link to a pano shot.

<<<Click Here For Beinn Eighe Pano>>>

Well all good things come to an end and it was time to head off back home, leaving the blue sky and virtually windless clear air behind.

Looking back to Torridon


As I approached Achnasheen, it was more like entering a zoo as there were deer all over the place.

A couple of stags



A couple of hinds


Just a perfect day all round and even though I didn’t get much of a walk, I wouldn’t have missed any part of the day.
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Being on the hills gives you a sense of where you are, where you've been, where you're going and why!

[foggieclimber]

Wow, stunning photos.
Shame you couldn't get parked for the Marilyn, however, the wonderful low level views must have more than made up for it.
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[AdrianL]

Wonderful views. Nothing more to say!
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All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be

[Clova]

Stunning pictures! What a glorious day. Soooooo jealous!
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"Sun comes up on these mountain braes and it's breaking on the high ground...." C and R MacDonald

[kinley]

Wow

Beautiful pictures - I've never been up in Torridon in snow-cladding

Whoopers and Slioch pics stand out for me

[JimH]

Sooo jealous

A few contenders for photo of the month in there

[mountainhare]

Wow. What a day you had! Really glad for you, it'll stick in your memory a long time. One thing, though: next time you're up there in those conditions, please be kind to us, and drive a wee bit further on to get a shot of Beinn Alligin too, will ya??

[RCFC]

As I said elsewhere BCR would have been a fantastic viewpoint today and its a shame you were not able to park.
Some lovely pictures and Scotland couldnt look more beautiful could it.
Surprised to see Loch Maree wasnt frozen over as so many other lochs are, perhaps it is in parts though.
NW Scotland was the place to be today
Well done for salvaging your day and thanks for sharing.

[Lochivroan]

Wow,Cuillin, just fantastic photos.

For once not going up a hill paid dividends in spade loads!

What a great day for wandering about Torridon! Awesome clarity in all your photos.
The best shots of Slioch and hoar crystals I've seen: macro and micro.

Many thanks.
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On a clear day you can see Criffel from here!

[summerwalker]

Just perfect too difficult to pick a favourite although I love the one with the robin and the one with the frost.

[goth_angel]

Fabulous photos!
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[fmck]

Simply brill. Even if you didnt get a hill in what a drive.

[terra_firma]

Thanks for that, even if you didn't get to do your intended walk.
The pics and conditions are amazing

We (NeillyDunn & I) were out yesterday in Glen Orchy and had to abandon our walk in +70mph winds.

Cheers for the report

[Alex]

It was a spectacular weekend indeed Cuillin

This was Beinn Alligin on the Saturday zoomed from the Marilyn Auchtertyre Hill near Kyle of Lochalsh........



I had went over to Skye to do Beinn na Seamraig but, as usual, the minute I set foot on Skye, the rain starts.Turned to snow on the minor road up Glen Arroch and common sense kicked in sending me back to the mainland where I had a pleasant day up Auchtertyre Hill...well...apart from the snow drifts Came as a bit of a surprise to find recent footprints at the top.Somebody from here perhaps

It`s a cracking viewpoint with a 360 degree panorama and well worth a visit.Had a cracking day on Sunday in Kintail with the added bonus of a few friends to help break trail with me this time

[mountainhare]

Thanks, Alex! That's another cracker, and the bonus point I was waiting for! Can there be a more graceful mountain, I wonder.

I'm making a note of that Marylin, seems like the perfect viewpoint.