Walks Programme, January-March 2017 Nevis Hillwalking Club (Our aim is to have someone hillwalking every week-end) Affiliated to Mountaineering Website-www.nevishillwalkers.org.uk and on facebook Contacts-email: [email protected]; or 'phone: SECRETARY: Suzanne Theobald 01397 701783. Meeting Places/Times Car park at the Woollen Mill ( Centre), junction of and A82 roads, Fort William – 08:00 departure. Alternatively, join at the following places when going: beyond - Spean Bridge Woollen Mill, 08:20; over the Corran Ferry - Corran Ferry slip, 08:25 ; to Glencoe or the A82 south - Glencoe Village car park (by mountain rescue post), 08:30 ; to or the Road (A828) - St Brides School, North , 08:25. If in doubt, or if you want to join the group elsewhere, contact the coordinator. Programme Layout The area we are going to is indicated opposite the date of the walk. The relevant O.S. 1:50K map number is given, with the grid reference of the starting point of the walks. Suggestions for other walks in the same area are welcome. It is club policy that each walk will include an experienced member. Walk distances and heights of ascent are estimates. Gaelic translations are in italics. The programmed walks and routes are flexible. Other walks and/or routes in the same area may be undertaken by some or all of the members who attend. Co-ordinators For each outing, we have a "walk coordinator". See the Walks Programme to find out who this is. The co-ordinator is not a leader, and members should not expect to be led on a club walk. We hope to encourage self-confidence and self-reliance on the hills, with experienced members helping those less experienced, if required. The onus is on members to provide relevant information to the co-ordinator. This will aid the organization and safety on the hill. There is a need by members for good communication (before the walk, on and off the hill and at the end of the walk), responsibility, duty of care and awareness of others. Checking Arrangements and Walk Details Further information about the walks can be obtained by studying the map and referring to the many guidebooks available for our region. Information about routes, weather and avalanche conditions will be found on the web. See our website for links. To check arrangements and discuss details for any walk, please contact the coordinator. Let the coordinator know what you want to do, either before the day of the walk or at the meeting point. Members doing through routes must ensure they make their own arrangements for transport at the end of the day. Safety and Equipment Remember that safety is your responsibility. Read the Code of Practice, found in the Club Handbook on our website. It contains a list of appropriate clothing and equipment that all members should have on the hill. Attention is drawn to the need for crampons and ice axe in winter. Please ensure you are fit enough on the day to complete the route you want to do, under the prevailing weather conditions. After the Walks; We aim to meet and socialise in a convenient inn or cafe in the area.

When making suggestions for walks in future programmes, it may be easier to copy/paste descriptions in your email from websites such as www.walkhighlands.co.uk , although different routes are also appreciated Sat. 31 Dec. Map 41, NN145683 Glen Nevis (939m, ) (Summit of the Corries)- From the Lower Falls CP head W along the road for about 300m and turn left on to the forest road. Almost immediately fork left on to a footpath rising beside the Allt a’Choire Dheirg and rejoin the forest road at the hairpin bend at NN140680. Turn right, follow the road up to a WP at NN134 95 684 53 . Turn left on to a footpath that climbs S up through an area of clear-felled forest. The path continues over a stile and on to the open hillside. Head up SE to reach the foot of the NE ridge of Mullach nan Coirean and follow it to the summit. Descend SW along a broad ridge, then up to the summit of Meall a’Chaorainn, 910m. Descend its N ridge and join the WHW, heading NE. At about NN124706, leave the WHW and follow the footpath NE down through the forest, to reach the lowest forest road. Turn S and follow it back to the start. (15Km, ascent 1069m) Suggested by Gerry Gilbert & co-ordinated by Suzanne Theobald

Sun. 8 Jan. Maps 40/41, NN021635 Sgurr na h'Eanchainne (730m). (Not high enough to make it into the Corbett list, this hill is nonetheless an imposing feature in the landscape and one of its best viewpoints.) Start at the Ardgour ferry slip and follow the A861 N to the graveyard at Cille Mhaodain, NN012656. Climb NW up the ridge immediately behind the graveyard to reach a shallow coire and continue NW to a col, NM996665, at the foot of the N ridge of Sgurr na h-Eanchainne. Follow this S to its summit at 730m. Descend W, past a lochan on the col and climb W, then SW to the summit of Meall Dearg Choire nam Muc, 734m. Descend SE down a well-defined ridge to reach the waterfalls of Maclean’s Towel. Descend steeply to the communications tower at NN000645, follow the track SW to Ardgour House, then follow the estate roads to the A861 back to Ardgour ferry slip. (14km, 800m ascent) Suggested by Gerry Gilbert; co-ordinated by Liz Stevenson

Sat. 14 Jan. Map 34, NN257887 Glen Gloy Beinn Iaruinn (c800m, Corbett) (Iron Hill)- From the end of the road in Glen Gloy head E up the track. After about 1 km, before the road dips, head for the cave marked on the map. The land slip here is worth exploring. Continue up the hill along the broad ridge to Beith Og, following the river E and S to the summit of Beinn Iaruinn. Follow the rim of Coire nan Eun S, then descend SW towards Meall Breac. The walk can be extended here by going S to a col then up to the summit of Leana Mhor. From Meall Breac or Leana Mhor descend to the river confluence at NN 276887. Cross the river and return on the outward track. (10/12 kms, 750/900m ascent) Suggested by Gavin Theobald; co-ordinated by Suzanne Theobald

Sun. 22 Jan. Map 41, NN138566 Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (967m, Munro) (Peak of the Fian Warriors) - From the road junction, a faint footpath heads N up the steep slopes on the E side of the Allt an t-Sidhein 1:25k . Where the stream bed opens out, at about NN 139575 cross the stream and head NW up into Coire an t-Sidhein and gain the summit ridge. Continue E to the high point (967m). The walk can be extended E along the easy ridge to Stob Coire Leith for views of the . Descend W along the ridge of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh to a ring contour at approx. NN 134582 then pick up a path which leads NW down steep ground to join the Pap of Glencoe path ( transport required ). (8kms, 1050m ascent) Suggested & co-ordinated by Andrew Gilbert Sat. 28 Jan. Map 41, NN377814 Glen Spean Beinn a'Chaorainn (1052m, Munro) (Hill of the Rowan) & Beinn Teallach (915m, Munro) (Forge Hill)- Head up the track from Roughburn and at a junction continue to the right. When the track exits the forest head W to the spot height 628m and continue up the steep S ridge of Beinn a’ Chaorainn to its S top then on to the summit. Follow the edge of Coire na h-Uamha to the N top then descend N and W to the cairn at NN371867. Climb the steep slopes to Tom Mor and follow the NE ridge of Beinn Teallach to its summit. Descend the easy angled slopes S to the corner of the plantation at NN363833 and then take the path S and back through the forest to the start. (16kms, 1150m ascent). Suggested by Gavin Theobald; co-ordinated by Andrew Gilbert

Sun. 5 Feb. Map 41, NN021686 Ardgour Stob Coire a'Chearcaill (770m, Corbett) (peak of the Circular Corrie)- Start at the parking at Inver Scaddle and follow Cona Glen to a break in the trees at NN004700. Ascend the SE ridge of Sgurr an Iubhair to its summit, then follow the plateau around E to the summit of Stob Coire a’ Chearcaill. For a short day descend SE along the edge of Coire a’ Chearcaill then back to the track in Cona Glen. For a longer excursion continue over Braigh Bhlaich, Ceann , and round to Meall an t- Slamain, descending to the road at Stroncheggan. Transport required. (12/14 kms , 880/1060m ascent). Suggested by Chris Tracey; co-ordinated by Ken Stevenson

Sat. 11 Feb. Map 50, NN344290 (1029m) (Loch-outlet Hill) & Beinn Dubhcraig (978m)(Dark Rock Hill) (2 )-From the parking at Dalrigh, follow the track over the river and railway, then head up through the woods into Coire Dubhcraig (the woods are a beautiful remnant of the Old Caledonian Pine Forest, the Coille Coire Chuilc) . Aim for the lochans on the ridge between Ben Oss and , and head west then SW over the 941m knoll to the summit of Ben Oss. Retrace your steps over the 941m point to the col and then SE on the ridge to Beinn Dubhchraig. Then head for the north ridge of Beinn Dubhchraig and follow it down, steeply approaching the River Cononish where there is a bridge to the track back to the start point. (17.8km, 1260m ascent) Suggested & co-ordinated by Chris Tracey

Wed. 15 Feb. Social evening/planning meeting (details to follow)

Wed. 15-Sun. 19 Feb. Fort William Mountain Festival (details to follow)

Sun. 19 Feb. Map 41, NN187622 Sgurr Eilde Mor (1008m, Munro) (big peak of the hind) . This Mamore is situated in a spectacular position above Coire an Lochain. Park at the Grey Mare’s Tail car park. Follow the path that leads to the Waterfall for approximately 200m. At a junction, (NN187623), keep right and climb the path heading NE through trees on a ridge. Emerging from the trees, follow the path across the slopes of Meall an Doire Dharaich to reach a track at NN208634. Cross the track and continue up the path towards Coire an Lochain. Leave the main path at a bend at NN222647 and head NE across the lip of Coire an Lochain and climb steeply up the broad S aspect of Sgurr Eilde Mòr that curves to its summit. Descend steeply WNW directly to the col N of the Lochan. Alternatively, descend the NE ridge for about 1Km and turn left to reach the path leading back to the col. Follow the path back to the start. (14km, 1000m ascent) Suggested by Gerry Gilbert; co-ordinated by Liz Stevenson

Wed. 22 Feb. Talk by Stuart Moralee at the An Drochaid Centre, Fort William (details to follow)

Sat. 25 Feb. Map 41, NN146684 Glen Nevis Stob Ban (999m, Munro of mica-schist and quartzite, which gives it its name, “ White Peak”) /Mullach nan Coirean (Summit of the Corries) (939m, Munro)-From the lower falls car park, return along the road and take the track which heads S on the E side of the Allt a’ Choire Dheirg. This continues as a footpath which leads up through a band of trees to open hillside. Continue N up the steep and craggy north ridge of Stob Ban to the summit. Return NW down to a small summit and W along the broad ridge, over the SE top 917m, then NW to the summit of Mullach nan Coirean. Descend the E ridge, which curves N and head for a stile at the tree line to the east of the stream in Coire Riabhach. A path, then track lead back down through the forest to Achriabhach. (11.6km, 1200m ascent). Suggested & co-ordinated by John Burton

Sun. 5 Mar. Map 50/56, NN370239 (995m, Munro) (The Castle)- and possibly Beinn a’ Chroin (942m, Munro) (Hill of Harm or Danger) -Head up over Sron Garbh and Twisting Hill to the summit of An Caisteal. Descend S then SSE to col before Beinn a’ Chroin. Ascend to summit. The munro summit is at NN387185 – the central summit. There is a lochan a short way to the east of the summit. Continue to the east top, then descend N down ridge into Coire Earb. Descend the glen to re-join the track. (12km, 1000m ascent). Suggested & co-ordinated by Gerry Gilbert

Thurs. 9 Mar. Talk by Noel Williams on Scrambling at the college in Fort William (details to follow)

Sat. 11 Mar. Map 40, NM906809 Glen Finnan Sgurr Thuilm (963m) (Peak of the Rounded Hillock) & Sgurr nan Coireachan (956m) (Peak of the Corries) (two Munros)-Go north along the good track past Corryhully Lodge and bothy. Turn right at the fork and continue for a few hundred metres before leaving the path to start the ascent of the Druim Coire a'Bheithe to the summit of Sgurr Thuilm. Return south then SW for a short distance before continuing the traverse west. The four km ridge to Sgurr nan Coireachan has many ups and downs, but there is a line of old fence posts to follow if necessary. From the summit, descend SE on the steep-sided and rocky ridge over Sgurr a'Choire Riabhach, and join the stalkers' path on the east side of the ridge, which leads to the starting track. (21.6km, 1510m ascent) Suggested by Gavin Theobald; co-ordinated by Suzanne Theobald

Sun. 19 Mar. Map 50, NN270418 Black Mount Stob a'Choire Odhair (943m) (Peak of the Dun-coloured Corrie) & Stob Ghabhar (1087m) (Goat Peak) (two Munros)- Start from the CP 300m before Victoria Bridge. Follow a short path NE to rejoin the road, cross Victoria Bridge and turn left at Forest Lodge. Follow the track W by the Abhainn Shira to a small building at NN256425 then turn N on to the path that follows the Allt Toaig. At approx. NN253447 leave the main path and head up the zig zag path to the summit of Stob a Choire Odhair. Head W along the ridge, down to the bealach then up to spot height 991m and on to the top of Stob Ghabhar. Continue W round the rim of Coire Ghabhar then S to meet the path on Mam nan Sac. Follow the path down to Clashgour farm and the forest track back to the start. (17kms, 1300m ascent) Suggested by Gerry Gilbert; co-ordinated by Ken Stevenson

Sat. 25 Mar. Map 42, NN639823 Dalwhinnie A'Bhuidheanach Bheag (936m) (the Little Yellow Place) & Carn na Caim (941m) (Cairn of the Curve) (two Munros)-e asy access, largely on tracks. A high level route on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park- Start from the lay-by S of the snow gates on the E side of the A9. Follow the A9 S for 200m and turn E on to a track. Climb SE up the track to a junction just before a summit, 902m. Take the right fork and head S on the track which by-passes the summit of A’ Bhuidheanach, 879m, to reach a WP at NN658 34 788 39 at the end of the track. Alternatively, head directly over this summit to reach the same WP. Climb the slope S on a faint path to the summit of A'Bhuidheanach Bheag. Retrace steps to the junction, take the right fork and follow the track NNE, over a summit at 914m, to its end at another summit, 914m, NN668816. Turn NE and head for the summit of Carn na Caim. Retrace steps to rejoin the track back to the junction and descend NW to the A9. Alternatively head directly W from the summit, down steep slopes, across the Allt Coire Uilleum, back to the A9. Fence posts on the boundary line marked on the map may assist navigation. The height and distance stated relate to the direct descent. (18km, ascent 800m) Suggested by Gavin Theobald; co-ordinated by Liz Stevenson

Sun. 2 Apr. Map 33, NH074117 Cluanie Aonach Meadhoin (1003m) (Middle Hill) , Sgurr a’Bhealaich Dheirg (1038m) (Peak of the Red Pass) and Saileag (959m) (Little Heel) (three Munros) . Start at the Cluanie Inn and ascend northwestwards up an indistinct ridge, passing to the left of the marked crags, to reach a small summit at 846m. Follow the ridge around Coire Cadha, over Sgurr an Fhuarail (987m) to Aonach Meadhoin (1001m)*. Descend westwards to a col at about 830m and climb up to Sgurr a’Bhealaich Dheirg (1036m). A narrow ridge leads northeast a short distance to a prominent cairn. Continue westwards to Saileag (956m) then descend to Bealach an Lapain, turning southwards to descend to Glen Shiel. (11Km, 1257m). Transport required. *A shorter circuit descends south-southeastwards from the summit of Aonach Meadhoin, or more interestingly, from the col at 830m traverse the headwall of Coire Tholl Bruach to the small summit at 806m, then descend over Meall a’Charra to reach the A87 at NH054114. (9Km, 854m). Transport required or a 2Km walk to Cluanie Inn. Suggested by Chris Tracey; co-ordinated by Gerry Gilbert

Walks suggested by Gavin Theobald, Andrew Gilbert, Gerry Gilbert, Chris Tracey & John Burton

Bad Weather Alternatives • —Map 35—NN693997, Monadh Liath • A'Chailleach—Map 35—NH681042, Monadh Liath • Creag Mhor, Creag Dubh, Carn Corrie na h-Inghinn—Map 35—NH756016, Kingussie • Glen Loy (Map 34, NN126833), Beinn Bhan. Could make this a linear walk over Monagh Beag to second car at Moy. • The Two Lairigs Circuit, Glen Coe (Map 41, NN187562). • Loch Oich Circuit, Invergarry (Map34, NH301010). • Creag Dubh, Newtonmore (Map 35, NN665946). • Smirisary Hill & Village, Glen Uig (Map 40, NM 656774).