Munro Bagging in the Mamores, Day 7.

Sadly it was time to return home, but as we drove up Glen Coe the week finsished as it began with some photography of the Buachaille, know affectionately as 'The Buckle'.  Then it was home with one brief stop to photograph Ben Lomond from the lochside.

Munro Bagging in the Mamores, Day 3.

Following a hard day's walking a more restful day sightseeing was in order and, as Peter and Linda had never visited Ardgour or the Ardnamurchan peninsular we set out for the Corran Ferry to cross Loch Linnhe.  I always feel a sense of excitement when catching a ferry and this was no exception.  It reminded Heather and myself of taking the caravan over here on our way to Mull last year and wondering if we would 'bottom out' on the steep ramp.  Our first stop was the beautiful house and gardens of Ard Daraich at Sallachan, not far from the ferry.  At first we weren't sure if they were open, but on knocking on the door Heather received an incredibly warm welcome and was provided with a map to help us look round this beautiful spot with its winding paths set into the hillside.
Next up was Strontian on the shores of Loch Sunart where we enjoyed an excellent lunch in the local cafe.  In the hills to the north of the village lead was mined in the 18th century and the mineral strontianite was discovered, from which the element strontium was first isolated.  We had hoped to drive to the Point of Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point in Great Britain.  Time was not on our side, however, so we headed north to the shores of Loch Ailort where we discovered an isolated pure white sand beach, absolutely beautiful.  I enjoyed photographing the rocks and seaweed here. Seaweed on the west coasts come in a myriad shapes and colours and make for wonderful close-up photographs.  We gradually made our way back to our caravan for an early night before our major expedition.

Munroe Bagging in the Mamores Day 2

Before launching into a three day pack with wild camping we decided on a couple of easier lead in days.  Today we opted for a circular walk from Ballachulish to clain the two outlying munros of Sgorr Dhearg and Sgorr Dhonuill (the Red Peak and Donald's Peak).  Both are part of the larger mass of Beinn a Beithir or the Peak of the Thunderbolt.  We set off through easy, but fast climbing tracks through the forestry passing lovely waterfalls and some fabulous patches of fly agaric toadstool.  Before long we left the trees and headed steeply uphill into the high valley below our first summit.  By the time we exited onto the ridge it became necessary to use hands as well as feet.  Now in cloud we made our way up to the sharply defined summit, delighted to come across a ptarmigan eggshell, and then along the narrow connecting ridge, with periodic glimpses down to Ballachulish and Loch Leven.  Our descent down the final ridge to the valley was precipitous on its upper reaches - some would say exciting.  A good day though.
In the evening views over the Loch were again amazing and we were delighted to watch and enjoy close views a pair of red deer stags on the shore.

Munro Bagging in the Mamores. Day 1

We had a good journey up to Scotland today, although the weather increasingly deteriorated as we travelled North.  Our final stop before we met up with my brother and his wife was just down the Glen Etive Road for some classic shots of Buachaille Etive Mor - The big shepherd.  By now the cloud was down and there was some drizzle in the air.  Undaunted I persevered and as well as midges had soon found the regular tripod marks where I unashamedly planted my own.  Normally I try to shy away from 'honey pot' locations and find my own, but this is such a classic I couldn't resist.  Job done and poor shots captured we headed down Glen Coe to the shores of Loch Leven where Peter and Linda had booked our static caravan for the week.  What a superb location with views along the loch toward Ballachulish Bridge in one direction, towards The Mamores in another and up Glen Coe to Bidean Nam Bean in a third.  Hopefully we were in for an excellent week.