Beinn Mheadhoin (Strathconon)
GrahamsBeinn Mheadhoin
|
Other hillsNone
|
BothiesCould be done from Luibmaldruig, but there is nothing to be gained strategically.
|
Distance/ Ascent10km 529m
|
Estimated Time3h 30min
|
NotesThere are a couple of burns that need fording so gaiters recommended unless during a dry period of weather.
|
1 January 2019
Back for my second visit to Strathconon within a week! As it is not usually used as an access point for Munros, many do not visit this fine glen. It is a truly wonderful glen with some great walking. Parked on the public road at Inverchoran, the track up towards Beinn Mheadhoin was clearly visible. I was looking for an easy hill that I could do without getting up too early and still off the hill well before dark and Beinn Mheadhoin fitted the bill perfectly.
Across this sturdy bridge towards Inverchoran House.
Left at the gate to the house. No entry signs clearly indicate that you have to turn left and you cannot use the bridge that would avoid fording the burn ahead. So over the bridge towards the ford.
I advise that you put on your gaiters before setting off! I remember that the first time I was here, there was a cacophony of barking dogs coming from the kennels, but all was quiet today.
Looking back across Strathconon to Meall na Faochaig - I was thinking the with a a slight detour to Creag Lucharaidh seen in front of the main peak, this could be a great choice for New Year's Day 2020!
A Photoshop Photomerge of Meall na Faochaig.
Again looking back to Meall na Faochaig with Sgurr a' Ghlas Leathaid and Sgurr a' Choire-rainich beyond. These two striking tops are "Corbett Tops" but not Corbetts, being satellites of Sgurr a' Mhuilinn. I missed these out when doing the two Corbetts, Sgurr a' Mhuilinn and Meallan nan Uan, but maybe one day? Perhaps even a summit camp to watch the sun set over Torridon? They always catch my eye when driving along the A832 and looked great fro Fionn Bheinn.
A waterfall added a bit of interest, as did seeing the to of Carn nan Gobhar on the north Strathfarrar ridge. By boots got another clean crossing the ford above the waterfall.
There is a small cairn marking the start of the stalker's path, but I missed it and started up this track instead. The two do meet up, so it makes no difference.
Looking across to Bac an Eich.
As the stalker's path became a little intermittent, The route ahead was still marked with small cairns or simply a rock placed on end.
As I reached the summit area, I could see the Strathfarrar Munros. These had only a few remnants of snow when I had walked over them four days earlier. Instead of aiming for the main summit, I headed for a cairn to the east of the main summit as it promised to be a better vantage point.
The eastern cairn, looking towards Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais.
Left to tight: Carn nan Gobhar - Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais - Creag Gorm a' Bealaich (Munro top) and Fhuar-thuill Mor.
Looking north to Sgurr a' Mhuilinn and Meallan nan Uan again.
At the true summit looking towards a distant Sgurr nan Ceannaichean (Corbett/demoted Munro).
The summit cairn(s) looking south to the Strathfarrar hills.
Rather pleased with this one done on a 12 second delay. I focused it on the rock I was to rush and sit on to obtain a sharp image with a pleasing bokeh!
Carn nan Gobhar and Sgurr a' Choire Ghlais.
Sgurr nan Clach Geala is the prominent peak to the left. Sgurr Mor is partly obscured by clouds.
Looking towards Meall a'Chaorainn (Graham) and Fionn Bheinn.
Back down the stalker's path to the track.
More steeply down to Inverchoran and my car in view.
Time to wash my boots again as I forded the burn.
I stopped on the way back down Strathconon to take this photo of Meallan nan Uan and Creag Ghlas.....
....and a further stop after crossing the Loch Meig dam.
