Knoydart Adventure (3 - Meall Buidhe and Luinne Bheinn)

After yesterday's big walk on Ladhar Bheinn, a rest day might have been welcome, but another warm sunny day was forecast, so, once again we set off from the cottage at 8.10am.


Today's targets were Meall Buidhe (for all of us) and Luinne Bheinn (for me).  


Initially, we were retracing yesterday's footsteps for a mile or two, but then branched off across the Inverie River on the path up Gleann Meadail.  


We followed this path, crossed the Allt Gleann Meadail by a bridge, then gradually climbing up the north side of the glen for 4km more, to reach the bealach, Mam Meadaill, at 11.15.  We were now at 500m, and only 1km distant from the summit - a very steep ascent in prospect.  Maybe the gradual route up the long west ridge would have been better!

Sgurr na Ciche from Mam Meadaill (right)

And steep it certainly was!  We toiled up steep grass between crags to reach the foot of the SE ridge;  once on the ridge, the going became easier, and soon we were on the SE top, with a short walk along to the main summit.  12.55pm.

Once again, the views were extensive all around, although more hazy than yesterday.

Inverie Bay from Meall Buidhe (left)

Marjory and Roger's plan was to return down the long west ridge, so I took my leave, and retraced my steps to the SE top, then headed off down the east ridge towards Luinne Bheinn, 4km distant.   It doesn't sound very far, but took 2.5 hours!  

A combination of rough ground, many small ups and downs, tired legs from yesterday, and strength-sapping heat, all took their toll.  If that sounds like a complaint, it isn't.  The ridge was lovely;  with interesting rock formations,  Luinne Bheinn ahead, and Sgurr na Ciche (above right) in the distance.  

I followed the path as it contoured around the intermediate top, Druim Leac a'Shith (the ridge of the fairy stone), and into the dip beyond.  Had a rest on a rock by the path, and who should come along but Donald Walker!   Had a chat;  the Walker family had come across by boat from Arnisdale, climbed Luinne Bheinn, and Donald, Hannah and Jamie were continuing to Meall Buidhe and back.

Looking back along the ridge towards Meall Buidhe (left)

By now, I had run out of water, so at the final dip before Luinne Bheinn, I dropped down to a spring at 680m to refill my water bottles.  

Then a final 300m toil / climb up grass and rocky steps to the east summit of Luinne Bheinn.    

Looking hot and exhausted, on the east top of Luinne Bheinn (right), with the main summit behind;  Ladhar Bheinn in the distance.

One final effort - down and up again to the main summit.

Munro 225.  59 to go!

Lovely summit.  Enjoyed the fantastic view down to Barrisdale, 3000 feet below (left).

Time now getting on, so at 4.10pm it was time to set off down the hill.  Steep path down the ridge at first, then off to the west side, where a herd of deer were surveying the coire below, then  bounded off as I approached.  A boggy path lower down soon led to the Mam Barrisdale at 450m.

Switched to automatic pilot for the long 2.5 hour plod (10km) back to Inverie.

2 Munros + 2 Tops.

26km walk

1200m climb

11.5 hours (again!)

So, 2 dasy in Knoydart, and I had already achieved all 3 Munros, in sunshine, and with no midges!

(posted 14/06/10)