4C - GLEN KINGIE
The long run out from Gairich crosses Glen Kingie and goes up through the pass in the middle. Gulvain, coming up next but one is the hill in behind this pass. Photo https://big-gorse-bush.blogspot.com
17.1 miles 1860 metres
Start Monday 14.48
Sgurr nan Coireachan 15.00
Sgurr Mor 16.09
Gairich 17.50
Finish 19.18
Squares: yellow - changeovers. Circles summits: green - this leg, red - done. Photo Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 4.38 Actual 4.30
Craig writes:
After a very pleasant drive with Eddie up to Strathan the presence of huge numbers of midges speeded my wish to leave with bike to my changeover, my first problem being to get the bike over the 9ft deer fence. A bit like all-in wrestling as I imagine it. After the bike's attempted stranglehold on me I finally achieved the required knockout blow and it's a very pleasant cycle along the south side of Glen Desssary on forestry tracks. The track peters out, I leave the bike for Ifor to collect, and I'm up and out of the forest.
A couple of camped backpackers ask me if I've heard a recent weather forecast. “No I'm afraid not,” they seem a little disappointed and surprised that I should be going into the hills without any reference to a forecast. I momentarily consider explaining myself however their attention seems to be back on their stove so I am saved from explaining that we're committed now and going anyway. No matter what the weather should choose to throw at us.
I don't dally long, don't want to be late for Ifor who seems to be pretty fired up and looking very fit. It's a bit of a slog up to the changeover col and pretty damp underfoot. Once there it's on with spare clothes and into bivvy bag. The weather is fairly unpleasant, windy with intermittent rain. Little do I realise that I am to wait in excess of 3 hours, I doze a little.
I speak to a pair of walkers who happen upon me and seem confused by the sight of someone lying in a sky blue bivvy bag in the middle of the day. Explaining myself I relieve them of a donation to our cause, my first on the hill! They having just left me are treated to the sight of Ifor swooping down the hillside whilst I struggle free from my goretex cocoon.
Ifor arrives breathless, explaining that Mark had problems on the previous leg, hence the delay. He wishes me luck and I am off up my first hill. I'm overdressed but I need to get warm, the weather seems to be improving. First top in 12 minutes, Sgurr nan Coireachan, and off along the ridge to An Eag. Off with the cag and thermals approaching the top. In my hurry to get them off, not wanting to waste any time, I nearly lose my compass which was on my wrist. Pulling them over my head it's deposited on the ground and I have to retrace my steps for 30 yards to find it greatly relieved. The weather's really improving now, it's shorts and tee shirt from now on.
Good steady running over Sgurr Beag to my second Munro Sgurr Mor. On without delay I pass a large group of walkers whose expressive faces query my seemingly reckless speed and style. Gairich, Munro number three is clearly in view, however a Corbett, Sgurr an Fhurain is between me and it. I skirt below its summit veering away to the north ridge then drop off east above the col.
In the valley bottom I stop for a long gulping drink, first opportunity of the route so far, then off up an amazingly well made zig-zag path up Gairich. Well, up some of the path as I straighten it out somewhat, climbing strongly, hands pushing away on knees. I glance at my watch to see how my progress so far compares with schedule time, okay, feeling happy I have a good look round at the extensive views. It really has turned into a lovely afternoon.
I reach the summit at least 5 times (falsies – the tease,) but am finally rewarded with a large summit cairn and a magnificent view to the east, a seemingly endless chain of lochs stretching to the horizon all sparkling with sunlight.
The descent is fast, I checked the line on the ascent. With another quick drink it's onto a good path to cross the River Kingie just below the Kinbreak bothy. Only just above the knees today as there has been little recent rain. A glance at the bothy shows the roof to be a little holed, there's no sign of current occupancy.
The path shown on the map leading up and over to Strathan doesn't exist for the first mile or so, or if it does I failed to find it. It's hard going tussocky and rough, and suddenly I feel quite drained of energy, empty, so I stuff down some food. A vague path appears, it seems an eternity to the col but just as the food begins to release some energy I'm trotting downhill. Another handful of jelly babies consumed, (little do Bassets realise the true energy potential contained within their sweets, one of my favourite hill foods,) and the path is improving and heading more rapidly downwards.
Glancing anxiously at my watch I realise I've dropped behind schedule so it's time to make an effort to pull it back. Tiredness is forgotten, it's race pace descending, a quick glance at the map, one final hillock and the van which I left this morning comes into sight. One final effort, Eddie and Ifor are out to greet me as are the seemingly ever present midges. These changeovers are so quick, barely seconds and Eddie's away and soon out of sight. Our little biting friends prevent me from lingering any longer than having a quick refreshing dip in a stream.
Driving with Ifor (back to the mothership for a well earned dinner) I have time to reflect on my second run of the trip and another extremely satisfying one. Can it possily go on like this for the next 9 days? Only time will tell.
Peaks done 33 Hours elapsed 36 Peaks to do 244
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