THIS WEEK’S WALKS

LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS

The walk leader is to be contacted beforehand for meet-up and start times. Car sharing usually possible and people can try before they buy. Further information at www. lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org. uk. Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group can be contacted by email on info@lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk.

Thursday February 15 Bridge of Orchy to Eas Urchaidh

This is a linear walk suitable for all weather. It affords good views of Glen Orchy and its impressive river. Finish at splendid waterfalls, the Eas Urchaidh.

Start from the CP just S of the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, NN297395. Head NW on a short footpath to cross the bridge over the River Orchy. Turn S on the track alongside the river and follow it past Inverveigh going gradually uphill, SW along the forested lower slopes of Glen Orchy. The track narrows to a mountain bike trail LR, which makes a semi-circular detour to cross the Allt Coire Bhiocair by a ford at NN250359. It continues SW to the Allt Broighleachan. Cross the burn on a bridge to reach the forest track alongside it. Follow the track down to the waterfalls and the bridge across the River Orchy. Transport required from the Eas Urcahaidh CP.

Grade: L; Distance: 12km; Height to climb: 200m; Map(s): LR50, EX377. Meet at Longsdale car park, Oban, at 9.25am or Glencoe village car park at 9.55am. Start of walk at 10.30am. Leader: Graham Innes 01631 562290 or 07767 714503.

Saturday February 17 Beinn Fhada and Stob Coire Sgreamhach, Glen Coe

An interesting approach, up the nose and along the crest of the first of the ‘Three Sisters’ of Glencoe, leads to a shapely Munro at the head of the Hidden Valley.

Start from the CP off the A82 at the foot of the Lairig Eilde at NN187562. Take the path SW and cross the Allt Lairig Eilde (stepping stones).

Head W up the slope towards the series of rock buttresses that form the flank of the nose of Beinn Fhada.

Pass to the right of the first buttress, turn left and climb up steeply SSW on a ramp below the foot of the second buttress.

At the top of the ramp, easier ground leads W up to the crest of the ridge.

Follow the ridge SW over several summits to reach the first Top, 931m, then the second Top, Beinn Fhada, 952m. Descend SW to reach a narrow col at 902m, the foot of the NE ridge of Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

Direct onward progress is obstructed by a vertical rock pillar. Pass to the left along the base of the pillar for a few metres to reach a groove slanting back rightwards up the rock.

Climb the groove to reach easier ground on the crest of the ridge and scramble to the summit of Stob Coire Sgreamhach, 1,072m.

Descend the SE ridge to a col at 741m alt, just before a small summit. Turn NE and descend steep slopes to the floor of the Lairig Eilde and follow the path back to the start.

The route may be changed or modified in response to the weather and snow conditions on and preceding the day.

Grade: S; Distance: 11km; Height to climb: 1,000m; Map(s): LR41, EX384. Meet at Glencoe village car park at 8.45am. Start of walk at 9am. Leader: Ian Moir 07973 836498.

NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB Please see full walk details at www.nevishillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go out on the walk please contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club.

Sunday February 18 Beinn Challuim, Tyndrum. Start the walk at the parking by Auchertyre Farm and follow the West Highland Way towards Kirkton farm. Just before the Kirkton farm, there is a track going up the hill, cemetery with two large trees on your left. This track crosses the railway at a level crossing — apparently it is not permitted to use the bridge further east.

Across the railway line there is a faint path taking you up the hill following the deer fence. There are a couple of stiles you need to cross and the ground is boggy so you may want to cross the lower level fence to avoid some of the peat hags but you can also go around these without much effort.

The path eventually leaves the fence and turns ENE and then N up to the south top which has a cairn at 998m.

From the south summit care is needed in mist, as the ridge is split in two by a cleft. Head W a short distance crossing the cleft and onto the ridge, follow the ridge on the W side N. The ridge descends briefly before the final ascent to the main summit of Ben Challum.

From here you can head NW down the ridge to Bealach Ghlas-Leathaid and turn W crossing the Allt Gleann a Chlachain and on to the track that takes you back to the starting point. But this is quite a steep and in parts rocky descent and care must be taken in winter.

The burn may also be too difficult to cross but you can follow it on the E side to nearer the sheilings where there is a bridge. If not possible, retrace your route back down which gives some lovely views.

Distance: 12km; Height to climb: 900m. Suggested by Suggested by Toril, John and Robert; coordinated by Suzanne Theobald.