Beinn Airigh Charr Friday 21 May 2010

 Beinn Airigh Charr from approach path from Poolewe

We decided at the last minute to climb this hill although have looked it over in the SMC Corbett guide a few times.  After leaving the car at the car park in Poolewe walked down the private road towards Inveran which then goes towards Loch Kernsary. Before reaching the loch we cut across the open moorland for around 1km to rejoin the same path that would go down to Loch Maree, before reaching the loch we met the great path that heads east then southeast uphill to reach the col between Spidean nan Clach and Meall Chnaimhean. As we were climbing up to the col although sunny a few spots of rain started which then turned in to a heavier shower, this was not at all surprising as it had been very close all morning and there was a forecast of thunder & heavy showers.

On the path heading for the col Spidean nan Clach just visable

Lovely flowers that were around the path uphill

On reaching the col the rain went off and a few patches of cloud where skirting the summits but on the last pull upto our summit it started to lift. I just simply love when this happens you're standing on the top and you know it's gonna go and whaaaamm it clears. The views where mind blowing, the Islands of Loch Maree to the west, Poolewe and Loch Ewe to north, Kinlochewe to south and the brilliant Munro of A'Mhaighdean east, alot of walking to nail that Munro.

The Islands on Loch Maree

Ben Lair, Slioch & South End of Loch Maree

Eerie cloud rising from Ben Lair

Spidean nan Clach, North End Loch Maree & Loch Ewe

A'Mhaighdean

Myself on summit with A'Mhaighdean and Fionn Loch in background

Video from summit showing the islands & zooming on A'Mhaighdean

Returned to Poolewe by same route and saw these lovely bluebells on the way back.

Another fabulous day's hill walking in the NW Highlands.