Beinn Eibhinn, Aonach Beag, Geal-charn, Carn Dearg

Beinn Eibhinn, Aonach Beag, Geal-charn, Carn Dearg

Date: 9/6/2001

Tops and Munros

Companions: Iain

Sgor Iutharn(T) 1028m
Geal-charn (M) 1132m
Aonach Beag (M) 1116m
Beinn Eibhinn (M) 1102m
Diollaid a'Chairn (T) 922m
Carn Dearg (M) 1034m

Distance: 19km (+8km cycle)

Climbing: 1270m

Time: 8 hours

Weather: mainly overcast, some rain early on, then improving steadily; strong westerly wind

Munro Tally: M118-121, T201-206

Second day of a superb weekend expedition with Iain. We drove up on Thursday evening to Dalwhinnie. From there, we cycled in down Loch Ericht (sheltering from some heavy downpours on the way), and camped under the trees on the east shore of Loch Pattack (to get some shelter from a fairly strong westerly wind). On Friday, we climbed Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil.

Despite some nightime disturbances (the wild horses which live on the "flats" decided to investigate our tent!), we were up and ready to go again on Saturday morning. There were a few more people around than on Friday, with various groups visible fform our campsite. Having realised that we could cycle as far as Culra bothy, we made good use of the bikes to cover the first 3 miles. Just as we arrived at Culra, the heavens opened, and it looked like the day would be a wash-out. We chatted to some other walkers, including a couple of Germans, who were also sheltering. After about an hour, it seemed to be fairing up, so we set off, more in hope than expectation.

We followed the path, making directly for the foot of the Lancet Edge. A very steep climb up bouldery heather brought us on to the ridge itself. By now the weather was definiteley improving, and the views across to Ben Alder improved rapidly as we scrambled up the steep ridge, topping out on Sgor Iutharn at 2pm. From here, the scenery changed dramatically, fom sharp steep ridge to broad rounded plateau. A wander across this led to the summit cairn of Geal-charn (one of several so named) where we were glad to "coorie doon' to shelter from a strong west wind. No complaints, however, as the wind was rapidly pushing the clouds away towards the east.

Feeling fit, we decided to continue along the ridge (pleasingly narrow in places, though never exposed) over Aonach Beag to Beinn Eibhinn. The two outlying tops of Beinn Eibhinn were a walk too far, so we conented ourselves with the view west over Loch Ossian to Rannoch Moor.

Returning along the ridge, we contoured across the southerrn slopes of Aonach Beag, and headed up and over the plateau of Geal-charn once again. This time the wind was at our backs! A steep path led down the east side of Geal-charn, where we stopped to admire a waterfall coming out from under a massive melting cornice. From here the ridge continued gently north east over the mild excrescence of Diollaid a' Chairn, then up again to the day's final Munro, Carn Dearg. By now the day was at its perfect best: blue skies, and downhill all the way. After lingering to savour the views, we followed easy heathery slopes back to Culra Bothy, picked up our bikes, and cycled back across the "flats" to our campsite by Loch Pattack.

The Lancet Edge

The shapely peak of Sgor Iutharn at the top of the Lancet Edge, with the rounded plateau of Geal-charn in the background. Culra Bothy leis at the foot of the slopes of Carn Dearg.

Lancet Edge above Culra

summit of Geal-charn

Summit of Geal-charn

Iain looks glad to have a rest on the summit of Geal-charn. Aonach Beag andd Beinn Eibhinn are visible behind.

Loch Ossian from Beinn Eibhinn

From Beinn Eibhinn at the weestern end of the ridge of 4 Munros, the views further west were excellent.

Loch Ossian form Beinn Eibhinn

<< route maps of Friday's (Ben Alder) and Saturday's (Aonach Beag etc) walks

To see an OS 1:50000 map centred on Aonach Beag, click here

To see an OS 1:50000 map centred on Geal-charn, click here

To see an OS 1:50000 map centred on Carn Dearg, click here

To see a road map of the area around these mountains, click here

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other mountains in this area

Comments or questions? david@dbethune.com

Date: 9/6/2001	Tops and Munros
Companions: Iain	Sgor Iutharn(T) 1028m Geal-charn (M) 1132m Aonach Beag (M) 1116m Beinn Eibhinn (M) 1102m Diollaid a'Chairn (T) 922m Carn Dearg (M) 1034m
Distance: 19km (+8km cycle)
Climbing: 1270m
Time: 8 hours
Weather: mainly overcast, some rain early on, then improving steadily; strong westerly wind
Munro Tally: M118-121, T201-206
Second day of a superb weekend expedition with Iain. We drove up on Thursday evening to Dalwhinnie. From there, we cycled in down Loch Ericht (sheltering from some heavy downpours on the way), and camped under the trees on the east shore of Loch Pattack (to get some shelter from a fairly strong westerly wind). On Friday, we climbed Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil. Despite some nightime disturbances (the wild horses which live on the "flats" decided to investigate our tent!), we were up and ready to go again on Saturday morning. There were a few more people around than on Friday, with various groups visible fform our campsite. Having realised that we could cycle as far as Culra bothy, we made good use of the bikes to cover the first 3 miles. Just as we arrived at Culra, the heavens opened, and it looked like the day would be a wash-out. We chatted to some other walkers, including a couple of Germans, who were also sheltering. After about an hour, it seemed to be fairing up, so we set off, more in hope than expectation. We followed the path, making directly for the foot of the Lancet Edge. A very steep climb up bouldery heather brought us on to the ridge itself. By now the weather was definiteley improving, and the views across to Ben Alder improved rapidly as we scrambled up the steep ridge, topping out on Sgor Iutharn at 2pm. From here, the scenery changed dramatically, fom sharp steep ridge to broad rounded plateau. A wander across this led to the summit cairn of Geal-charn (one of several so named) where we were glad to "coorie doon' to shelter from a strong west wind. No complaints, however, as the wind was rapidly pushing the clouds away towards the east. Feeling fit, we decided to continue along the ridge (pleasingly narrow in places, though never exposed) over Aonach Beag to Beinn Eibhinn. The two outlying tops of Beinn Eibhinn were a walk too far, so we conented ourselves with the view west over Loch Ossian to Rannoch Moor. Returning along the ridge, we contoured across the southerrn slopes of Aonach Beag, and headed up and over the plateau of Geal-charn once again. This time the wind was at our backs! A steep path led down the east side of Geal-charn, where we stopped to admire a waterfall coming out from under a massive melting cornice. From here the ridge continued gently north east over the mild excrescence of Diollaid a' Chairn, then up again to the day's final Munro, Carn Dearg. By now the day was at its perfect best: blue skies, and downhill all the way. After lingering to savour the views, we followed easy heathery slopes back to Culra Bothy, picked up our bikes, and cycled back across the "flats" to our campsite by Loch Pattack.