BEINN BHUIDHE
Beinn Bhuidhe seen from the top of the fist steep climb. Photo tms.nickbramhall.com
9.2 miles 948 metres
Start Thursday 12.45
Beinn Bhuidhe 14.04
Finish 14.48
Squares: blue - start and finish. Circles summits: green - this leg. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 2.00 Actual 2.03
Alwyn writes:
Was Tony's time of 2 hours for this leg simply his idea of a joke? Or was it some devious ploy to inspire me to an incredibly swift performance? Either way, I was not impressed: I was fairly certain I couldn't beat the clock in my debilitated condition, but I would try to get as close as I could.
After Ian's rally drive around from Cruachan, I set off rubbery-legged up the gravel-pit and forestry road from the head of Loch Fyne. Long, supposedly flat, runs in and runs out are cruel demands when one is knackered! I reach the end of the track in just under 30 minutes and strike up the steep slope – enjoyable scrambling to the plateau from which the summit of Beinn Bhuidhe rears, rough and bristly.
The tedious approach up steadily rising ground gives way to an enjoyale scramble up grassy rakes weaving between rocky buttresses, emerging onto the narrow summit crest. 1 hour 19 minutes – but I know that 40 minutes back is unlikely – too much flattish running, and the hummocky plateau traverse proves very tiring. I reach the track end needing to cover the distance back to the car in just 15 minutes.
Despite encouragement of the roving sports photo-journalist (Rob!), the track takes 18 minutes and I finish in 2 hours 3 minutes. Eddie is so keen to get away to Arrochar Alps, he nearly takes my spare clothing and my left arm with him!
Peaks done 272 time taken 12 days 12 hours peaks to go 5
Binoculars on the track had failed to pick Alwyn up, and suddenly he was there. I shot off with John to Glen Croe, where I droped him too high up the road, so that he missed a good quality path.
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