Date: Saturday 13th February 2016
Company: Myself, Becky and Cuillin
Distance: 6.1km, Ascent: 235m
Time: 2Hrs 45Mins
I set off from home this morning with Becky and Cuillin for a weekend based in and around Fort William. However, on approaching Fort William this morning, I decided to turn off onto the Mallaig road and head out to Acharacle in Moidart for an ascent of Beinn Bhreac. Despite Beinn Bhreac's minimal height (240m), I suspected its views would be pretty-good.
I ascended Beinn Bhreac's excellent neighbour Beinn a' Bhaillidh, on the isle of Eilean Shona, almost exactly five years ago.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
As this was Becky's first trip into this area, we stopped near Roshven to take some photos of Eigg and Rum. Becky is keen to visit Eigg as a) she likes its name and b) would like to ascend An Sgurr.
Eigg and Rum from Roshven:
Looking back along the A861 towards An Stac:
On reaching the Blane Burn, I parked just off the road on a small section of old tarmac next to the start of the track.
Becky at the start of the walk:
I suspected the walk today would be fairly rough, especially beyond the track which we would be following for the initial mile or so.
Becky and Cuillin walking the track alongside the Blane Burn:
Ascending the track towards Loch Blane:
We enjoyed the walk albeit the track was a bit wet and muddy.
A wee rest at a large boulder:
Becky really enjoyed the views on this walk. Nice lochans and soon to be outstanding views from the summit.
Loch Blane:
Looking towards Beinn Bhreac:
A short distance beyond the lochans, we left the track and picked out a route up the hill towards the summit.
Becky has been used to walking mostly on nice paths. Today was definitely a new experience - trackless long grass, heather and wetness.
Looking back to Loch Blane and unnamed lochan:
On reaching the summit we both took numerous photos. This was the first time Becky has used her iPad to take photos up a hill. It worked really well, in fact many of her photos are far superior to my own!
Looking down to Loch Shiel from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Beinn Resipol from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
View from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Skye Cuillin from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Eigg and Rum from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Lovely view down to Loch Moidart from the summit of Beinn Bhreac (zoom):
Lovely view down to Loch Moidart from the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Becky and Cuillin at the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
Becky and Cuillin at the summit of Beinn Bhreac:
After spending around fifteen minutes at the summit, we made our way back to the car via roughly the same route. It was quite cold today even at the measly height of 240m.
On our return to Fort William, we visited both the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Glenfinnan Monument.
Glenfinnan Viaduct:
The views down Loch Shiel are fantastic.
Beautiful view looking down Loch Shiel:
Loch Shiel:
The Glenfinnan Monument:
Looking forward to another wee hill tomorrow.