KNOYDART
Looking towards Meall Buidhe from Luinne Bheinn. photo Colin Matheson
19.6 miles 2000 metres
Start Sunday 03.45
Ladhar Bheinn 06.25
Luinne Bheinn 07.35
Meall Buidhe 08.30
Finish 09.10
Squares: green - start, yellow - changeover, red previous finish. Circles summits: green -this leg, purple - to do courtesy Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 8.00 Actual 5.25
John writes:
Having been rudely awoken by Alwyn's shouting as he approached the van we drove the half mile down to the road end at Kinlochhourn while I frantically put shoes and clothes on, then off down the long shore path to Barrisdale. Plenty of time to appreciate the superb scenery and beautiful morning. Soon saw that it was going to be an orchid day – saw heath spotted orchids in profusion all over the hills, northern marsh in the marshes, quite a number of sweetly smelling fragrant orchid and a new species for me – even more beautifully fragrant than the fragrant, pure cream white. This turned out to be the lesser butterfly orchid. But what about the hills?
Well Ladhar Bheinn was definitely the best – stunning views around the surrounding lochs and mountains, valleys inland filled with mist. Luinne Bheinn was a long slog up, quickly down and found a wonderful route onto Meall Buidhe (suggested by Colin) along rock ledges at the back of the tarn, thus avoiding the knobbly ridge. Very tired on last bit of ascent but cheered up when I saw mats of moss campion with delicate pink flowers in various shades. Steep descent amongst herd of deer then along the shore to an amazed Ed. Ate and drank, then an interminable walk-out only enlivened by a pair of eagles and, Allah be praised, the mountain bike.
Peaks done 26 time taken 1 day 6 hours peaks to go 251
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