The day began with the long drive up to the far northwest. The drive up was pleasant with no traffic problems. The walkers had an evening meal and a refreshment at the Dundonnel Hotel before the hike to Shenevall bothy. The 7 km walk to Sheneval began around 7.30 pm and saw us arrive after 2 hours. The plan was to do the 2 river crossings that evening and camp at the other side saving wet feet on the day of the walk. However as the river level was about waste high we decided to camp at Sheneval instead and cross in the morning when the river level may have dropped.

We were awakened very early by heavy rainfall which set the scene for the rest of the day. The party set of at 8am and managed both river crossings without difficulty. First objective was Beinn a’ Chlaidheim, Dave Webster (newly qualified mountain leader) decided we should take the easiest route which involved a long walk in and ascent on the west flank of the mountain. Once onto the flat plateau, we left rucksacks at a small lochan and reached the summit almost 5 hours after the walk began. Low cloud, mist and drizzle made visibility very poor so no views from the top. The next munro, Sgurr Ban was pretty much the same. This was a very rocky ascent through a boulder field of quartzite rock. Again no views, we then descended the to the bealach to tackle munro number 3 Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (Summit of the corrie of MacFarquar). By this point my blistered feet were beginning to hurt badly! Luckily Dave W had some Canisole gel plasters to treat the blisters with. This third hill involved a very steep ascent to a conical peaked summit.

After a quick snack is was down to the bealach on the approach to Beinn Tarsainn. The ascent of this 4^th munro was a bit of a slog as the last section was particularly steep. However the extra effort was worth it, as the cloud and mist lifted somewhat to allow for some views from the summit. This was my 50^th munro and a good photo opportunity for the group. The descent from this mountain led us back to the head of the Gleann na Muice …This was a very long walk back to Shenevall taking the best part of 5 hours from the summit to the campsite. Everyone returned in one piece very tired and hungry. This walk was a serious undertaking, very arduous and demanding. (Badly blistered feet and a broken toenail are testament to this!) The walk took a total of 14 hours or so for the group to complete with everyone arriving back before 10.30 pm. After being attacked by the evening midgies, (the joys of wild camping) it was something quick to eat and into the sleeping bags. The group set off early on Sunday morning stopping at the Aultguish Inn for something to eat on the way back. It was an overpriced omelette and chips all round (very bland and not recommended) and a wee refreshment before the long drive home.

Walkers: Isobel Freeman, Dave Webster, Dave Broadfoot, James Young, Sue and Anne (Isobel’s friends.)

Log book report: James Young

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