Date: Friday 4th March 2016
Company: Just myself
Distance: 11.4km, Ascent: 665m
Time: 3Hrs 55Mins
I travelled down to Fort William yesterday afternoon, so only a short journey was required today to reach Movern for an ascent of Beinn Mheadhoin. This morning, I took the Corran ferry across Loch Linnhe. Every time I use this service, the price seems to go up. £8 each way is a bit of a rip-off for a five-minute crossing?
On reaching Morvern, I parked in a lay-by circa 15 metres from the start of the track leading to Be-ach. This is approximately 10 miles from Lochaline.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
Once suited and booted, and after taking a couple of painkillers for a current injury, I set off along the track towards Be-ach.
Beinn Mheadhoin from the track leading to Be-ach:
On reaching Be-ach, I went through a gate and then across an area of long tussocks before following the fenceline up the hill.
Looking back to Be-ach:
I was pleased to find a faint path heading up the hill
.Following the fenceline towards Beinn Mheadhoin:
The snowline today was sitting around 350m.
Above the snowline:
Looking back towards Be-ach:
Once above the snowline, I followed a burn up the hill before then taking a more direct line towards the summit.
Easy going up soft snow:
This hill is a great viewpoint for Mull which is only circa 10-12 miles away.
Starting to get nice views towards Mull:
Despite the weather looking pretty-good in the photos, it was windy and bitterly cold. I had on my thick fleece, down gilet and gloves.
Nice to walk in snow with blue skies above:
Looking towards the West top of Beinn Mheadhoin:
As I gained more height, the soft snow was exchanged for crisp neve. Perfect walking conditions.
Ascending Beinn Mheadhoin:
Lovely views towards Mull:
Not far from the West top of Beinn Mheadhoin:
However, the best was yet to come. I didn't realise that Beinn Mheadhoin was such an outstanding viewpoint. On approaching the West top, I began to get outstanding views in almost every direction.
Beinn Mheadhoin is definitely one of the top ten Fionas simply because of its excellent views.
Great views:
Loch Linnhe and Lismore:
Summit of Beinn Mheadhoin coming into view:
Looking towards the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin from the West top:
I stopped to take a number of photos at the West top before continuing on to the summit.
Loch Linnhe from the West top:
View from the West top:
The ground between the West top and the summit had lots of rock hard ice. I could have put on crampons but it was hardly worth it for only circa five minutes walking.
Approaching the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin:
I really loved the views from the summit. This is a hill I would definitely come back to do again.
Looking North from the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin:
View from the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin:
Looking South from the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin:
Trig point and large cairn:
Looking West from the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin:
Lovely views from the summit:
There were however dark clouds to the North and North-West.
Eigg and Rum (zoom):
After spending around ten to fifteen minutes at the summit, I returned via exactly the same route following my footprints in the snow.
Mull (zoom):
Back at the West top:
Once below the snowline, I made my way back towards the corner of the fence which I followed back to Be-ach. The weather forecast for today had advised of the weather improving in the afternoon. The skies were however darkening and it started raining thankfully five minutes after I got back to the car.
Beinn Mheadhoin surpassed all my expectations. A wonderful hill.