Walk Report: Beinn Dorain & Beinn an Dothaidh
More from my walking diary written a couple of weeks ago while walking in Scotland.
Friday 22nd July
The weather is now stunning and set to stay that. Suits me! Today I left Crianlarich, with I must admit more than a little regret. I had enjoyed my time there' it was a good quiet hostel with few people. I am now in the Glen Nevis hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis and it is anything but quiet! Before getting here I took the train to Bridge of Orchy and began to climb the steep and sometimes muddy path through Coire an Dothaidh up to the bealach between our two mountains, following Ralph Storer's Route 9. Turning right I headed towards Beinn Dorain rejecting a path that veered to the right half way up I stayed on the top of the ridge passing over the false summit to the true summit giving extensive, impressive views all around.
After lunch for both me and the midges (they always find the bit I missed - my forehead, under my hat!) I headed south off the peak seemingly into a very quick descent (the sort that ends with a splat at the bottom!) but the path quickly turned 180° to cling to the cliff edge below the summit on the western slopes of the mountain. The narrow precipitous, thoroughly enjoyable, path commanded breath-taking views of the valley below including a train that was conveniently passing below. This turned out to be the path that I had rejected earlier on the grounds that it didn't seem to be going to the summit. Now less weary from the ascent I was able to enjoy the path and appreciate the alternative return path.
Returning to the Bealach I began my ascent of my second Munro of the day up the path and across the wide pathless plain on top. Beinn Dothaidh is a triplesummittedd mountain, all on its northern edge; the southern side slopes down to the bealach with Beinn Dorain. I decided to head for the western summit aiming first for a short ridge that jutted out from this summit. Once this was gained it was a pleasurable stroll along the short ridge to the cairn on the north-western end of the mountain. The views across Rannoch Moor were awe-inspiring and continued as I strolled to the central peak, which is also the highest. When I got to the eastern summit cairn I paused and took in the view, feeling supreme satisfaction and a reluctance to the leave the mountain. The weather was hot and the skies were clear; from my vantage point I could look out over both mountains. It was a glorious sight; it is why I walk in the mountains.
But I couldn't stay up there. I had already missed the train, but I'd planned on catching the bus, so with the clock ticking I headed down the grassy (and on its eastern side somewhat boggy) plain to the bealach. I then descended the path back to Bridge of Orchy giving myself ten minutes to spare before the bus was due (long enough for a quick drink at the hotel!). Catching the bus I went through Glen Coe for the first time and I wasgobsmackedd, the scenery around the Three Sisters took my breath away. I just fell in love with it instantly; I was heart-broken when the bus moved on. I think I know where I am going next year! I am now in Glen Nevis and my target for the weekend is the Mamores. Luckily the weather looks like holding out all weekend and even into next week. I'm blessed.
Friday 22nd July
The weather is now stunning and set to stay that. Suits me! Today I left Crianlarich, with I must admit more than a little regret. I had enjoyed my time there' it was a good quiet hostel with few people. I am now in the Glen Nevis hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis and it is anything but quiet! Before getting here I took the train to Bridge of Orchy and began to climb the steep and sometimes muddy path through Coire an Dothaidh up to the bealach between our two mountains, following Ralph Storer's Route 9. Turning right I headed towards Beinn Dorain rejecting a path that veered to the right half way up I stayed on the top of the ridge passing over the false summit to the true summit giving extensive, impressive views all around.
After lunch for both me and the midges (they always find the bit I missed - my forehead, under my hat!) I headed south off the peak seemingly into a very quick descent (the sort that ends with a splat at the bottom!) but the path quickly turned 180° to cling to the cliff edge below the summit on the western slopes of the mountain. The narrow precipitous, thoroughly enjoyable, path commanded breath-taking views of the valley below including a train that was conveniently passing below. This turned out to be the path that I had rejected earlier on the grounds that it didn't seem to be going to the summit. Now less weary from the ascent I was able to enjoy the path and appreciate the alternative return path.
Returning to the Bealach I began my ascent of my second Munro of the day up the path and across the wide pathless plain on top. Beinn Dothaidh is a triplesummittedd mountain, all on its northern edge; the southern side slopes down to the bealach with Beinn Dorain. I decided to head for the western summit aiming first for a short ridge that jutted out from this summit. Once this was gained it was a pleasurable stroll along the short ridge to the cairn on the north-western end of the mountain. The views across Rannoch Moor were awe-inspiring and continued as I strolled to the central peak, which is also the highest. When I got to the eastern summit cairn I paused and took in the view, feeling supreme satisfaction and a reluctance to the leave the mountain. The weather was hot and the skies were clear; from my vantage point I could look out over both mountains. It was a glorious sight; it is why I walk in the mountains.
But I couldn't stay up there. I had already missed the train, but I'd planned on catching the bus, so with the clock ticking I headed down the grassy (and on its eastern side somewhat boggy) plain to the bealach. I then descended the path back to Bridge of Orchy giving myself ten minutes to spare before the bus was due (long enough for a quick drink at the hotel!). Catching the bus I went through Glen Coe for the first time and I wasgobsmackedd, the scenery around the Three Sisters took my breath away. I just fell in love with it instantly; I was heart-broken when the bus moved on. I think I know where I am going next year! I am now in Glen Nevis and my target for the weekend is the Mamores. Luckily the weather looks like holding out all weekend and even into next week. I'm blessed.
posted by David Keates at 11:28 pm
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