After a couple of rest days on Mull photographing White-tailed Eagles, I drove yesterday evening to Kinlochleven for an ascent today of Binnein Beag. I have included a few of my photographs below of these incredible, majestic birds.









Hills: Binnein Beag
Date: Friday 2nd August 2019
Company: Just myself
Distance: 16.8km, Ascent: 1430m
Time: 7Hrs 20Mins


Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

I set off walking at 05:10 this morning from the Ice Factor. From the outset, the midge were horrendous as there was not a breath of wind; the midge net was on from start to summit.

The Ice Factor:


The walk-up from Kinlochleven through the trees was familiar as this was the third time I have walked this track within the past year. The views looking back towards Loch Leven are normally fairly special but this morning they were nothing special. Hopefully that would improve during the walk out.

Midgewear:


Looking back to Loch Leven:


On reaching the track junction, I took the track which skirts round Sgurr Eilde Beag and then leads out towards Binnein Beag.

Looking down to Loch Eilde Mor:


During the walk towards the hill, I decided to stop and count 30 seconds to see how many midge landed on my hand during that time. Lovely beasties

Midge:


I always enjoy the view across to Sgurr Eilde Mor with its lovely neighbouring lochans. Despite the cloud this morning, the view was still nice.

Sgurr Eilde Mor:


I then arrived at the section of walk which I was not looking forward to. To get to Binnein Beag you have to lose a good bit of height with the same during the return. Despite Binnein Beag being 943m high, the walk involves 1430m ascent and descent.

There was lots of Bog Aspohodel during the walk today and also some Devil's Bit Scabious in full bloom. It will soon be autumn!

Binnein Beag and lots of Bog Asphodel:


Despite setting off so early, I was not the first today to ascend Binnein Beag. On reaching the small lochan, I met another walker who had camped there the night previous and who had ascended Binnein Beag very early. While speaking with the other walker, his shirt had at least 10 midge on every square inch of it. The joy of summer camping in Scotland; kinda why I don't do it . Wild camping is great but it's best done pre or post midge season.

Binnein Beag:


The final ascent of Binnein Beag was steep but not difficult. There is a path to follow up through the boulders.

Looking across to Binnein Mor from Binnein Beag:


Binnein Mor from Binnein Beag:


On reaching the summit I took a number of photos before returning via exactly the same route back to the start.

At the summit of Binnein Beag:


Limited views from the summit of Binnein Beag:


Panorama from the summit of Binnein Beag:


Looking back to the height-loss involved in getting to/from Binnein Beag:


Looking back to Binnein Beag:


I met several other walkers during the walk out who were all also heading for Binnein Beag. They had all set off after 09:00.

During the return, the view down towards Loch Leven had indeed improved. I love this view.

Lovely view during descent back to Kinlochleven:


Looking forward to my next walk in the Mamores which will likely be the Ring of Steall .