Sunday May 1st

 Jacinta had gone ahead to visit Rachel in Edinburgh so David had the opportunity to do another solo ascent. We'd gone up A' Ghlas bheinn a good few years ago, which left Beinn Fhada, frequently done as a pair, for me to walk on my own. The approach was from Morvich, where Jacinta and I had started our walk along Gleann Lichd. Beinn Fhada still had its head in the clouds but the forecast was good, so I hoped that I'd have a clear summit.

Beinn Fhada from Morvich
The ascent branches off on a stalkers' path a little before Gealach an Sgàirne and is pleasantly level for a bit, climbs gently and then... drops! Not only does this lose height on the way up, it also enforces uphill effort on the way back. However, before long, the Coire an Sgairne is reached but was somewhat cloudy as I approached.
Coire an Sgairne with the edge shrouded in mist
Fortunately, as I reached the rim of the corrie, it was clear enough for me to look down into it and the wisps of cloud that it still held.
Coire an Sgairne, still with a little cloud
As I reached the trig point at the summit, the remaining cloud began to lift, giving fantastic views all around.
Clouds lift as I reach the trig point
Amongst the views were the spur up to the summit of Sàileag
Sàileag and its northern spur, Meall a' Charra
and the ferocious ridge of Sgurr a' Bhealaich Dheirg, both of which I'd visited a couple of days before.
Sgurr a' Bhealaich Dheirg from the summit of Beinn Fhada
On the descent, the cirque of Coire an Sgairne was free of cloud, giving me a complete view of it.
Coire an Sgairne
Coire an Sgairne (panorama)

All in all, a very satisfying day. 11.4 miles, 1069m ascent.
The following is a "Fly Through" of the walk. Full screen recommended!


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