Applecross

Peak: Sgurr a'Chaorachain (776m)
Area: Applecross
My birthday coincided with the arrival of even better weather: deep blue sky and eye-searing visibility. After a beautiful drive down Glen Torridon, we continued over Britain's only Alpine-style road pass, the Bealach na Ba (which I should have cycled, but didn't have my bike). From the broad col on top we set off en famile for Sgurr a'Chaorachain. This peak looks superb from below in Kishorn, and offers one of the great easy rock climbs up the Nose. From the pass, however, it is an easy walk and therefore an ideal family outing. M didn't fancy it, though, so he waited near a lochan with K while E and I continued over a forepeak on the broad ridge towards the obvious flat-topped tower. Great views from here over the deep Coire a'Chaorachain to Beinn Bhan and more distant Beinn Damh, and down to Loch Kishorn. An unusual range, the Applecross hills, characterised by deep eastern cwms and whaleback western slopes. Then we walked back to M and K and went up to the peak with the mast, for views to the Cuillin and Raasey. After an excellent birthday lunch by the sea at the Applecross Inn, we drove the coast road to Torridon and a quick bouldering session.