Members can submit comments and photos (send pictures as large as possible) for inclusion in walk reports by sending an email to walkposts@nevishillwalking.club
Walk Coordinators can obtain a blank Walk Report Form here:
Pictures and Reports from Recent Walks
Here are some comments and images from some of our recent walks. Not surprisingly, those outings favoured by sunshine and spectacular scenery are better represented here. (Of course, the sun always shines on Club outings — it is just that some people don't notice it.)
The most recent walk is immediately below this — scroll down the page to see older walks. Also, you can click on the images to see larger versions.
Gaelic place-name spellings here are generally as they are printed on OS maps. This is for the convenience of hillwalkers. I know many of these spellings are wrong and, indeed, not even consistent with one another.
Pictures are welcome from any club member who has a digital camera. There is no need for huge, hi-res images from an expensive SLR camera. In practice, large images take too long to download and will be compressed to a few hundred kilobytes!
This page contains reports and pictures for 2021 walks only. Older walks can be found here.
Saturday 1st May — Sgurr an Fhuarail, Aonach Meadhoin, Sgurr a’Bhealaich Dheirg, Saileag — Glen Shiel
Weather and Ground Conditions : Sunny at times but unseasonably cold. Mainly dry but three substantial snow showers occurred during the walk. Wind mainly light, but moderate in and near showers, NE backing NW during the day. Visibility generally very good, but poor during showers. Ground largely dry below snow-line at about 600m alt. Large patches of hard old snow on N aspects. New wet snow lying on all aspects was slow to dissipate, rendering hazardous the steep grassy slopes on either sides of ridges.
Walkers : Andrew, Chris, Jane, Kate
Distance : 11km
Ascent : 1250m
Duration : 6:45 hours
As restrictions are being relaxed we were somewhat wary as to how busy this popular location was going to be and as anticipated the available parking was starting to fill up but we managed to get space. Despite the promise of reasonable weather for these three really good hills, only 4 members turned out. Let's hope the lure of post walk hospitality and greater freedom to travel will tempt more members out for our spring programme. In true Scottish tradition we had rain, sun and at around 1000m fairly heavy snow but thankfully little or no wind so the scrambling trickier bits of the ridge didn't pose a problem. Having such great company out on the hill, makes a good day into a great day - thank you!!
Jane
To avoid car-sharing it would have been necessary to omit the third Munro or greatly extend the time and effort on the hill by returning over the second and highest Munro. In anticipation, Kate, who had been walking alone in the area the previous day and stayed overnight at Cluanie, took her minibus to the Bealach an Lapainn car park and cycled back uphill to meet us at Cluanie at the starting time. Almost socially distanced, wearing masks with the windows open, we were efficiently and safely returned to the start within a few minutes. We are hoping she will turnout for every through-route on the programme for as long as the pandemic lasts!
Great scenery, interesting weather, impressive drops into deep glens, awe-inspiring peaks and ridges and good crack all day.
Andrew
It was hard to believe it was 1st May but a great chance to enjoy another early spring type walk with the snow-capped peaks all around us with the advantage of being warm enough to enjoy a more leisurely lunch. Dark grey skies heralded the arrival of another snow shower with sun, blue sky and some interesting cloudscapes in between. A pair of snipe was displaying at the start of the walk and a ptarmigan calling on the top but hidden from view by its superb camouflage and the enveloping snow shower.
Chris
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane:
Sunday 25th April — Druim Fiaclach, An t-Slat-Bheinn, Sgurr na Ba Glaise, Rois-Bheinn
Weather and Ground Conditions : Cool, dry and sunny with light wind. Very dry underfoot.
Walkers : Andrew, Jane, JF
Distance : 18km
Ascent : 1400m
Duration : 8:50 hours
A grand day out in ideal weather conditions, but not quite clear enough to see the Outer Hebrides. The proximity of the intricate mainland and island coasts gives an added dimension to the views of hills stretching far inland. There was nobody else in sight all day until we were on our final direct descent from the W Top of Rois-bheinn. We heard voices and saw two people above, but continued unnoticed down our irregular ridge.
Andrew
Yet another fantastic day’s walking on the Moidart Corbetts.That initial 750m ascent to our elevenses spot was tough and looking ahead to see how distant Rois-Bheinn looked was somewhat daunting but, once we hit the summit of Druim Fiaclach (869m) the high level walk even with the inevitable ups and downs felt relatively easy. The same could not be said for the knee grumbling descent. An absolute pleasure to be on the hills, quiet, non-busy spots are on our doorstep; how lucky are we??
Jane
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane:
Saturday 17th April — Sgurr na h-Ighinn, Sgurr Dhomhnuill and Druim Garbh above Strontian
Weather and Ground Conditions : Sunny with a bit of cloud and a cold wind on top. Dry underfoot.
Walkers : Andrew, Chris, Gaby, Jane
Distance : 20km
Ascent : 1400m
Duration : 7 hours
A superb day in the hills which reminded us of just how good the walking is in the west – mountains, sea and islands filling the views under a blue sky with white clouds for decoration.
A varied walk that began in the oak woods, yet to come into leaf but, with clumps of primroses to remind us spring is coming. The good walking track led us up to the remains of the lead mines quietly being reclaimed by nature but would have been a busy, tough place to work. The ascent over rough ground along Druim Leac a’ Sgiathain and onto the first top of Sgurr na h-Ighinn brought into view the almost perfect u-shaped glen of Lochan a Chothruim. Here too we began to check the wee pools and lochans for frog spawn and even found some small tadpoles wriggling on one of the pools. Some shelter and suitably socially distanced rocks to sit on provided a good spot for lunch and to enjoy the view across the bealach before the steep ascent onto Sgurr Dhomhuill. A bit of optional scrambling added to the interest of the day. The views from the summit were superb in all directions with the high hills still snow-capped to help us identify Ben Nevis, Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui, Bidean nam Bian among others. The route down off the NE face was steep and needed some concentration to avoid an undignified descent. Then it was back along Druim Garbh again with view into the glens on either side as well as onto the mass of Beinn Resipol in front of us before dropping back down to the lead mines and the easy walk back out through the oak woods.
Chris
A cool breezy day, blue sky studded with small clumps of cumulus and cirrus casting shadows scudding across a largely dry landscape. Ideal walking conditions and we had it almost all to ourselves except for a brief encounter with a hill runner at the summit of Sgurr Dhomhuill. The 5km walk up to the Lead Mines was quickly accomplished and fording the Allt Ferith Dhomhnuill hardly noticed. Splendid views as we climbed higher up in this rough and rugged wilderness so typical of Ardgour. The final ascent to the Corbett summit was steep and rocky and it was hard to avoid scrambling. The even steeper direct descent to the Glas Bhealach required care and concentration. Rather than follow some obvious baggers’ routes leading more directly to the Corbett, we had decided to do all the bumps in sight and kept more or less to the crests. Thus rewarded with more views and sunshine, we ended a great day with 20km and 1400m of ascent and descent logged on the GPS.
Andrew
What a combination - great hills, stunning views, fantastic weather and excellent company. Lots of uphill and really steep descent off Sgurr Dhomhnuill. Word of the day was unanimously "WOW" despite it being exceptionally hard work!!!
Jane
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane:
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Sunday 11th April — Meall na h-Eilde, Meall Coire nan Saobhaidh and Geal Charn — Loch Arkaig
Weather and Ground Conditions : Good forecast with the prospect of a dry day, light wind and plenty of sunshine. Pretty accurate as it turned out. A few icy patches underfoot on the sunnier aspects and plenty of wet soggy conditions in the dips and hollows but generally easy going making up for about 10km on hard track or road.
Walkers : Andrew, Jane, Trl
Distance : 20km
Ascent : 1200m
Duration : 7 hours
Another absolute cracker of a day; bright, sunny but very cold. Air temperature barely above 0° all day.
Leaving the car park by the waterfall at about 9:15 the hydro track took us speedily up the glen and we were soon heading up the steep slopes of Meall na h-Eilde. Not a Munro but a tough, steep ascent which demanded digging into the energy reserves. Clear blue skies with plenty of sun made it a warm affair with the inevitable shedding of layers, only to have to put them back on when stopping for elevenses. With a decent hill walk under our belts the previous day we decided not to take in the optional Graham Top of Meall na Tagraidh. At the summit stunning 360° views with barely a cloud in sight but mighty cold when the sun decided to hide behind the growing cloud. Patches of icy snow needing careful negotiation as we descended before another climb to our second summit. Lunch in a sheltered spot with terrific views before heading for Geal Charn. By now the skies were becoming more overcast and we could see a weather system approaching which yielded a very light snow flurry. A long arduous knee jarring descent to meet the path alongside the Allt Dubh. It wasn’t long before we met the newly extended track to a recently constructed hydro dam (or at least constructed since our last visit)
Despite the 3km walk along the road the sight of the new spring lambs basking in the sun rounded off a really excellent day.
Jane
Lovely sunny weather all day, indeed all this weekend. However, the air temperature was well below zero for the whole of today’s route. This was no problem in sunshine but keenly felt when a cloud cast a shadow or this Arctic air-mass picked up speed in the slightest breeze. Snow cover was incomplete and not deep, but on aspects only obliquely touched by the sun’s rays, it was frozen hard and likely to catch out an unwary walker. Superb views of nearby and distant hills. Later in the day the forecast showers of snow could be seen afar but we escaped them all. A strenuous but enjoyable day to complete a great weekend’s hillwalking.
Andrew
Saturday 3rd April — Creach Bheinn, Fuar Bheinn and Beinn na Cille — Kingairloch
Weather and Ground Conditions : Temperature inversion up to about 700m, but little impact on visibility locally. Wind light in glen, NW10-12kts higher up. Sunny all day, almost cloudless above the inversion, where visibility very good to excellent. Ground surface and vegetation mainly very dry but some large areas of boggy ground due to recent periods of heavy rain.
Walkers : Andrew, Chris, Jane
Distance : 15km
Ascent : 1300m
Duration : 9 hours
Cloudless blue sky promised a good day in the hills and we were not disappointed. Made a prompt start by catching the 0830 Corran Ferry and were parked at the foot of Glen Galmadale soon after 0900. Heading N into the wide flat-floored glen, it seemed a bit misty and cold, probably a temperature inversion, but visibility was still good. No less than 7 corries discharge into this glen. We were aiming for the western arm of Coire an Dubh-alltan at the head of the glen, a fine rocky ridge that rises steeply direct to our first Corbett, Creach Bhein. A number of dark green lizards with a coppery sheen escaped our pounding boots up the steep sunlit slopes.
We lingered at the summit, now above the inversion. In the distance S this was more pronounced, a cold blanket over the islands and coasts. Elsewhere there were good views all round with wreaths of thin mist in between the peaks. The familiar local hills easily recognised, but also the more distant Schiehallion and Ben Lui were picked out and confirmed with Peak Finder.
On the way to the second Corbett, we came across some golden plovers. We dallied again at this summit, a better viewpoint southwards. Squinting against glare, the Paps of Jura were just visible jutting above the white blanket of the inversion. A pair of sea-eagles circled above.
Time was passing by unnoticed, with the Graham still to climb, another 200m ascent. We reached the summit at 1700 and hurried down the knee crushing slopes to the cars. Caught the 1900 ferry back to Corran. Memorable day out.
Andrew
A perfect sunny spring day that felt more like summer but still needing the extra layer when sitting for a break. Plenty of tough uphill which was hard work but it’s the only way to get hill fit. Rewarded with fantastic views in all directions and a reminder to pack the sunscreen and extra fluids (lucky to find water as despite the recent wet weather the ground was extremely dry). Apart from a pair of lone walkers in the distance we had the hills to ourselves. I think the stay away from the crowds post lockdown motto will be "Location, Location, Location".
Jane
Classical walk in the west of Scotland. 360 degree views of the mountains of the west highlands and the islands. A sea mist off the coast with the peaks of Jura, Rum and Skye appearing as small islands. A pair of golden eagles (I am fairly sure these were goldies which do retain a bit of white on their tails until they are 5-7 years old); 2 pairs of golden plover with their plaintive call heralding the arrival of spring; wee lochans bubbling with frogs.
Chris
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane:
Photos from Chris:
Sunday 28th March — Meall Cumhann (Glen Nevis)
Weather and Ground Conditions : Sunny periods and scattered rain and snow showers. Wet underfoot. Quite wind on top.
Walkers : Andrew, Jane, Ken
Distance : 6km
Ascent : 550m
Duration : 3:30 hours
The programmed walk on Sgurr a Mhain was abandoned due to a forecast of high winds, cloud and hail/snow/rain showers at altitude. A shorter lower walk on Meall Cumhann substituted.
Three members out today – Jane, Andrew and Ken. The Glen Nevis upper falls car park was empty when we arrived! Lots of water underfoot and the Waterslide, Nevis Gorge and Steall Falls all looked spectacular. Following a pleasant walk through Nevis Gorge almost as far as the wire bridge, we turned North up a steep faint path. The crags were avoided by following grass bands slanting North East. Once passed the rock it was a fairly straightforward pull up to the summit(s). Our (early) lunch stop was unfortunately curtailed by a cold wind and the onset of a snow shower. There were good views of the surrounding mountains but the storm clouds were gathering and we were happy with an early finish to the day.
Ken
Once again, the promise of foul weather deterred us from doing Sgurr a’ Mhaim by the back door. However, we had a good view of this route from the steep and scrambly ascent of Meall Cumhann, at least as far up as the lowering cloud base. It was dry at first, "not raining" to be precise - the ground was saturated and running with water from the burns all out of their banks. On the summit, a brisk shower of snow confirmed that the forecast was correct and justified our change of plan. A quick descent followed by coffees at Costa’s drive-through, according to our well-drilled covid procedure.
Andrew
Good reliable hill for a poor weather day, great views in all directions before the weather closed in and a speedy (somewhat slippy) descent to the start but like we always say “It’s great to be out”.
Jane
Saturday 20th March — Buachaille Etive Beag (Stob Dubh and Stob Coire Raineach)
Weather and Ground Conditions : On the whole a good forecast for the day with good visibility, a slight chance of rain (which didn’t materialise) and light winds. Patchy snow cover with no requirements for axes or crampons. Rather wet underfoot on the descent down to the Allt Lairig Eilde. Forecast temperature on the hill was around freezing but somehow it didn’t feel that cold.
Walkers : Andrew, Chris, Gerry, Jane, Liz, Kate, Ken
Distance : 9km
Ascent : 1000m
Duration : 5:15 hours
The route in the programme was followed.
Meeting at the car park at the foot of the Lairig Eilde, it was great to catch up with members who we haven’t seen for a while. We were soon heading up the well trodden path taking the left hand fork taking us up to the col between the two summits. Weather was good, my fitness below par, it was tough. Gerry and Liz decided to go for the second summit whilst the rest of the party headed for Stob Dubh. An essential food and drink stop ensured a banana fuelled rapid ascent. Weather was good and visibility mixed with suddenly appearing cloud cover and clearer moments affording good views in all directions. We retraced our steps back to the col and headed for Stob Coire Raineach seeming to gain the summit in no time at all. The essential waypoint on the descent from Stob Coire Raineach ensured we didn’t miss the correct line off the hill avoiding some nasty crags. Reverting back to lighter weight boots has its advantages but the loss of the extra grip resulted in a few slips and slides and the consequential wet trousers ☹.
Jane
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane and Andrew:
Sunday 14th March — Gleann Fhiodh
Weather and Ground Conditions : Heavy showers, strong wind at altitude. Wet snow cover on proposed route down to 550m.
Walkers : Andrew, Jane, Rick
Distance : 8km
Ascent : 200m
Duration : 3 hours
Sadly the weather was not in celebratory mood to herald our release from lockdown and the resumption of club activities.
BUT, it was good to be back!!!
Schoolhouse Ridge looked pretty daunting in the gloomy weather so settling for a long meander towards the James of the Glen Bothy seemed a decent alternative. Even that lost its appeal when we were about 4km shy of our destination and the wet weather was relentless. So an earlier finish, with the added compensation of a Covid safe coffee in Fort William at Costa Drive Thru.
At least we were out and full of anticipation for decent spring weather ahead 😊
Jane
It was raining hard and cold when I left home but it had stopped when I arrived last. The others were sitting in their respective cars, socially distanced and looking glum. Before I could greet them on this, the first time we were allowed out as an Organised Sports Club since 3rd January, they growled in unison “we are not going up that ridge in this”. I was quite pleased as I turfed my winter tools out of the rucksack. I had been wondering how to dissuade them from hacking our way up the slabby ribs on the steep upper section, obviously plastered in wet snow, just to get blown over in zero visibility once we got to the top.
Andrew
Sunday 3rd January — Beinn a’ Chrulaiste and Meall Bhalach
Weather and Ground Conditions : Dry throughout the day. The mainly light to moderate NE wind was strong at the summit of Beinn a’ Chrulaiste, where mist impeded visibility. Elsewhere the visibility was very good, sometimes excellent. The temperature of -5°C at altitude felt much colder in a strong breeze, but very pleasant during periods of sunshine, especially on the descent. Light snow cover at the start was deeper higher up, but although not well consolidated, did not impair our progress. The avalanche risk forecast was low (green) throughout the route.
Walkers : Andrew, Jane, Ken, Liz, Rick, SteveT
Distance : 12km
Ascent : 750m
Duration : 5:30 hours
The route in the programme was followed. However, the Kings House Hotel was closed with its approach road shut. We parked at a layby on the S side of the A82 at NN260541 and walked back to the hotel, about 800m.
This was a superb winter day on the hill, easily accomplished within the few hours of daylight available, with no complications. Found sheltered stops for elevenses and lunch but didn’t linger too long in the sub-zero temperatures.
Andrew
A cracker of a day for the first club walk of the year. Unfortunately cloud at the main summit obscured the views but as soon as we lost height and reached the summit of Meall Bhalach we were rewarded with a stunning panorama. The Buachaille looking magnificent in its winter coat.
Jane
Photos from Andrew:
Photos from Jane:
Photos from Rick:
