Glen Carron

Peaks: Moruisg (928m), Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (915m)
Area: Glen Carron
The perfect clarity of the last few days disappeared this morning, and our boat trip from Gairloch was marred slightly by drizzle and a cold wind. But by the afternoon, the rain had stopped and the cloud base was beginning to rise slightly. Inland seemed to offer the best chance of a view, so I went for a quick two hour evening blast from Glen Carron: an entirely unfamiliar area for me, but only a short drive from the cottage. It is hard to find anything good to say about my ascent of Moruisg, however: a featureless whaleback which gave one of the least pleasant runs/slogs I have ever experienced. Bog low down gave way to very steep grass, then a broad and uninteresting ridge: it was like being on Kinder Scout. Some drizzle and a lowering cloud base worsened the experience and I was glad to reach the summit quickly (50 mins) because I was starting to tire after the week's activities. I ran on a bearing through the mist above Coire Toll nam Bian and then things suddenly improved: proving my old adage that days in the mountains always have something. The mist dissipated, the running was smooth and superb, and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (a much more shapely peak) suddenly appeared directly in front. A pronounced col gave views inland to the more remote peaks of Sgurr a'Chaorachain and Maoile Lunndaidh. An interesting, twisting ascent gained the summit of Ceannaichean, where these views improved further. Then, the peaks to the north started to clear: Sgurr Ruadh, Fuar Tholl and others. Then, very gradually, the entire NW Highlands emerged from the gloom as I began the descent. First, the Skye Cuillin appeared in a halo of blue sky, then the Torridon peaks emerged, then A'Mhaighdean and An Teallach. Superb, as was a very fast running descent down the North Ridge. A rocky outcrop took some thought to negotiate, and the Stalker's Path above the Alltan na Feola was boggier and slower than expected, but it all had a nice Highland atmosphere and I completed the loop in two hours for a pleasingly efficient outing.